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CQPmiGHT DEPOSm 




CEXERAL ALEXANDER HAYS 



i 



i 



LIFE AND LETTERS 



OF 



ALEXANDER HAYS 



Brevet Colonel United States Army 

Brigadier General and Brevet Major General 

United States Volunteers. 



EDITED AND ARRANGED WITH 

I NOTES AND CONTEMPORARY HISTORY BY 

( 



GEORGE THORNTON ^LEMING 

FROM DATA COMPILED BY 

GILBERT ADAMS HAYS 



"Above the dust of the beloved dead 
Who passed to immortality this way, 

We bare our head and reverently tread, 
And tenderly our heartfelt homage pay. 



PITTSBURGH, PA. 
1919. 



./ 



DEDICATION. 

To the Soldiers of Alexander Hays, living 
and dead, who followed their dauntless leader 
under the Red Patch and the Blue Trefoil, 1861- 
1864. 



^tl' 10(S/Q 



Copyright, 1919. 
By Gilbert Adams Haya. 



'^CiAJ^^OOHl ^ iV 



\a: 



V 



INTRODUCTION 



Nearly fifty-five years have passed since General Alexander 
Hays, in the zenith of his career, fell in the tangled thickets of the 
Wilderness. Conscious that they ai'C nearing the age when the 
expectation of life shortens, his children have determined to publish 
a biography of their honored father, and show to all the world who 
may care to know, what manner of man he was. 

Treasured as precious memories throughout the long years, the 
family have preserved the letters he wrote from the front during the 
three years in which he gallantly served, until that fatal day when 
he fell as a soldier often falls, in action, on the advanced line. 

Alexander Hays was a plain man, a man of simple tastes, a man 
of action rather than words. He was thoroughly averse to ostenta- 
tion, and wanted no eulogies. He was therefore a modest man. 
Modest, though dignified in bearing, he sought not praise. He went 
his way to duty and performed that duty well, whatever it may 
have been. Large of frame and large of brain, Alexander Hays had 
all the charactristics of the true soldier. Endowed with a liberal 
education, he was therefore a man of refinement and education. 
Schooled in the grim school of war, he knew the value of obedience, 
and the necessity of discipline. Obedience to authority and courage 
in the hour of danger are the main attributes of a soldier, and the 
men that Alexander Hays led possessed these characteristics in 
common with their chief, and the laurel has been placed upon their 
tattered standards, and history has written their deeds in the records 
of the great war. 

Had General Hays lived to read his own biography he would have 
cut out all superlatives — "illustrious son of Pennsylvania," "gallant 
hero," "brilliant commander." Such phrases would not have ap- 
pealed to him; and why speak of loyalty, patriotism and allegiance 
to duty? Are these not imposed on all citizens? "Courage, sagacity 
and discrimination," — these are mer^ attributes of a successful com- 
mander. Alexander Hays would never have consented to be written 
down as a military genius. He preferred that his deeds should speak, 
and they do speak, and in the subsequent pages the man as well as 
the soldier will be considered, the gentleness of the man at home 
as well as the man of arms in the din of battle and amid the crash 
of guns. 

In the career of Alexander Hays there is much that is incentive 
to the young men of our land — much in his character worthy of 
commendation and emulation. The story of his life can be made 
a, simple and unpretentious chronicle, or there can be used the 



VI 



adjective with liberality. The written story has been aimed to be 
true to the man. We find him in early life in a country home, 
struggling to obtain even the rudiments of an education and early 
overcoming obstacles. We note his prominence in boyhood sports 
and athletic feats; his excellence as a marksman, and his marvelous 
horsemanship. We hear of his academy and college career, where 
always manly and popular, he goes next to the great Military 
Academy at West Point. And here he is the classmate and fellow- 
student of those whose names have been written in the history of 
the world for all time, and with whom when Valor and Genius were 
placing the unfading laurel, some fell also upon himself. We find 
him a subaltern in Mexico, dauntless and tireless, serving through 
that war. We behold him in California in the days when the real- 
ism of the times has faded any romance of the most brilliant novelist 
in the intensity of action, and in the marvelousness of truth. And 
he had crossed the trackless West, too, and won the title of 
"Argonaut." We see him return to his own fireside and engage in 
the pursuits of civil life. We observe him in the bosom of his happy 
family. We see him a pioneer in railroad development, a builder 
of railroads, the great civilizers of the greatest century since the 
dawn of time. We hear the boom of the Sumter's portentous guns, 
and the great Lincoln calls, and Alexander Hays puts his love of 
home away, and his great work away, and springs to arms among 
the first. His title is Major now, literally great and greater he 
became. He goes to the very front. He stays there and dies. At 
Pair Oaks he has sprung into prominence. At Gettysburg his name 
is indelibly written upon the "High water mark of the war." In 
the Wilderness he falls — and his name is henceforth written on his 
. Country's fiag, but in deeds, not letters. 

Pennsylvania furnished the Union many distinguished names, 
and not a few of these died as did Alexander Hays. They are 
known. Their services have long since been appreciated and their 
deeds marked by statue and embellished in story and song. 

"Micat inter omnes," is a simple Latin sentence, and when all 
those who struggled through the four years of desolating war are 
considered it can be truthfully written of Alexander Hays. "He 
shines among them all." 

Pittsburgh, Pa., January, 1919. G. T. F. 



VII 



CONTENTS 



Chapter Pag^ 

I. Boyhood, School and College 1 

II. Cadet Hays, U. S. M. A 8 

III. Some Fellow Cadets 16 

IV. The West Point Class of 1844 32 

v. Lieut. Alexander Hays, U. S. A 41 

VI. Alexander Hays' Own Story of First Service and Some 

Letters 53 

VII. Lane's Brigade in Mexico 66 

VIII. Across the Plains 98 

IX. Before Sumter 113 

X. Letters from Camp. The 12th Regiment Pennsylvania 

Volunteers. Three Months' Service 121 

XI. The 63rd Pennsylvania Volunteers. Around Washington. 137 

XII. The Peninsular Campaign 198 

XIII. Letters from the Field. Harrison's Landing to Second 

Bull Run 247 

XV. Gettysburg 401 

XIV. After Gettysburg. Efforts for Promotion 470 

XVII. When Grant Came 557 

XVIIL The Wilderness 596 

XIX. Honors to the Fallen 610 

XX. Alexander Hays in Song and Story 626 

XXI. Monuments 640 

XXII. Some Testimonials 652 

XXm. Immortelles 672 

XXIV. Conclusion 678 

Appendices 681 



VIII 



INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS 



Page 

Portrait General Alexander Hays Frontispiece •■ 

Lieutenants U. S. Grant and Alexander Hays, Camp 

Salubrity, La 50 ^ 

Victory Monument, West Point Military Academy 120 

Memorial Tablet, Cullum Hall, West Point 200 

General Hays' Headquarters, Winter, 1863-4 ^. . . .270 

Soldiers' Monument, Franklin, Pa 350 

Gettysburg Battlefield Monument 450 

AVilderness Battlefield Monument 650 

Grave and Monument, Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburgh 650 



/ 



Life and Letters of General 
Alexander Hays 



CHAPTER I. 

BOYHOOD, SCHOOL AND COLLEGE 

ALEXANDER HAYS was born at Franklin, Venango 
County, Pennsylvania, July 8, 1819. He was the fifth 
child and the fourth son of Samuel Hays and Agnes 
Broadfoot Hays. This worthy couple had six children, viz. : 
Eleanor, John Broadfoot, David Brown, Samuel B., Alexander 
(the subject of this memoir), and James P. Mrs. Agnes 
Hays, the mother of these children, died in November, 1839, 
when the future general was in his 21st year, and about to 
enter the Military Academy at West Point. Samuel Hays, the 
father, died at his home in Franklin, July 6, 1868, in his 85th 
year, surviving his illustrious son four years and two 
months. 

Samuel Hays, known in his home community as General 
Hays from his commission and service as such in the early 
Pennsylvania militia, was a man of high standing. Born in 
County Donegal, Ireland, September 10, 1783, at the age of 
seven, with his mother, Mrs. Eleanor Hays, he emigrated to 
the United States and located in Venango County, Pennsyl- 
vania, then an almost unbroken forest just opening to settle- 
ment. Eleanor Hays died in 1822. A sketch of the life of 
General Samuel Hays will be found in the appendices.^ Suffice 
it to say here that General Samuel Hays served as treasurer 
and sheriff of Venango County and in both branches of the 
General Assembly of Pennsylvania, and was elected to the 

1 Vide Appendix A. 



2 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Twenty-eighth Congress of the United States, entering that 
body in 1843. He later served as United States marshal for the 
Western District of Pennsylvania, and was associate judge 
of Venango County, and all these positions he filled with 
honor and integrity. 

On his maternal side Alexander Hays was of Scotch line- 
age, the Broadfoot family having come to Pennsylvania early 
in the last century, and they, too, found a home in its north- 
western corner. The family name is chiefly known and 
localized in Wigtonshire, though frequently met with in other 
parts of Scotland. The Broadfoots were a numerous family 
that came from a distinguished Scotch ancestry, of which 
they were very proud. 

Alexander Hays grew up in a wild and picturesque region 
where he passed a happy boyhood. Beautiful today, the 
scenery around the now thriving and handsome little city of 
Franklin, was in Alexander Hays' boyhood even more beau- 
tiful and inspiring. A century of progress has tamed its 
rugged nature, but the native beauty of the river and hills 
cannot be taken away. One can speculate on the relation of 
environments to the development of character, and he who 
knows the upper Allegheny region must believe such environ- 
ments are an inspiration, even to this day. What then were 
they ere modern improvement came in the march of progress, 
when hill and valley were yet unmarred? Could anyone say 
that the magnificent outlook up the river from Franklin to 
the lower blufT, crowned with the changing colors of the 
deciduous trees and the dark-hued evergreens, the stately 
pine and the towering hemlock, the gently flowing waters, 
or the torrent's rush of the river below, were not an inspira- 
tion and an incentive to higher things? In the pure air of 
these everlasting hills Alexander Hays saw their verdure and 
their flowers come and go, and the autumn tint the leaves, 
and the snows fall and melt, but the beauty and glory of the 
region was ever present though the seasons changed. Such 
a wealth of natural beauty could not fail to appeal to the 
youthful imagination and find response in a youthful heart 
such as his, so there grew in the young Alexander Hays a 
love of the true and the beautiful and an appreciation of the 
sublime, that ever characterized his utterances and were 
manifest in his letters both to family and friends— and 
throughout his whole career this is true. At school and in 



Boyhood, School and College 3 

war, as an "Argonaut," a designer, or a constructor, the 
aesthetic nature of the man was always apparent. 

Young Alexander Hays was a robust child. He was 
cheerful and companionable, strong and decided in his likes 
and dislikes. In following his subsequent career in whatever 
situation, condition or emergency he was placed, this charac- 
teristic was marked. He was a courteous and well-behaved 
boy, and a dutiful son. 

Into all boyish sports and the athletic exercises of that 
day he entered with zest and enthusiasm. In these he in- 
variably excelled, and always by force of his own will and 
character, and generally in these boyish diversions he was the 
recognized and logical leader, and hence the unanimous choice 
of his classmates and associates. 

Alexander Hays early evinced a liking for good books 
and developed a taste for reading. Standard literature as 
recognized, the classics, history, poetry, military science, and 
the stories of heroic achievements appealed to him with equal 
strength. Reading makes a ready man — and the early im- 
pressions were strengthened and his boyish propensities 
increased as he grew, and even under unfavorable circum- 
stances, oft fortuitous and unforseen, and conditions that were 
disheartening, his ready mind could call up a precedent and 
furnish a fit and appropriate quotation from some favorite 
author. 

The youthful Hays was from young boyhood a lover of 
flowers and this trait was prominent throughout his life and 
many floral mementoes are cherished yet among his children, 
sent from the battlefield and the plains, and far ofif California 
and Mexico. When the story of his life has been developed, 
these traits now adverted to and others as noticeable and com- 
mendable, will be taken up more in detail in the final estimate 
of his character, after his life had been given to his country, 
along with encomiums of those who knew and loved him long 
and well and were thus qualified to speak of him as they have. 

Two accomplishments of Alexander Hays seemed to have 
come to him naturally and with little effort on his part. When 
yet a boy he was a "dead shot" with pistol or rifle, and he 
could ride any horse, and both accomplishments stood him in 
good need frequently throughout his eventful life. 

Another inspiration which came to young Hays was 
that which arose from hearing the oft-told tales and legends 



4 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

of his Scottish ancestors, as he sat at his Grandmother Broad- 
foot's and his mother's knees. These near and dear ones he 
loved with all the afifection of his nature, and their stories 
of heroism and adventure were such as would sink deep into 
the soul of any boy. 

To sum up the boyhood of Alexander Hays, it can be 
said — he was always manly and popular, he was studious and 
looked on the beautiful in nature with keen admiration. He 
was a reader of the best thoughts of the world's greatest 
writers, and a lover of the sublime in poetry and art. He 
was obedient and filial. Strong in frame and contented in 
mind, he drank deeply the traditions and glory of his ancestry 
and exulted in their truth, and hence was true to himself and 
his teachings. When through with the training of a gentle 
home and his preparatory education had been completed, he 
entered upon the higher education with a superb young man- 
hood and a gifted mind, and that one was a poor prophet who 
could not predict his rise. 

Young Alexander Hays' opportunities for a rudimentary 
education were the same as those of any of his associates. 
The school system of Pennsylvania, previous to the adoption 
of the present system in 1835, was not a generous one. Sub- 
scription schools were common, that is, each head of family 
subscribed for as many pupils as he would send, and paid 
the pro rata cost of their teaching. Thus, early in Samuel 
Hays' family life, in the history of Venango County he is 
listed as one of the subscribers to such a school and for one 
pupil only. John Broadfoot, Marcus Hulings and Samuel 
Plumer are down also for one pupil each. Broadfoot, (the 
maternal grandfather of Alexander Hays,) Plumer and Hul- 
ings, are well known Venango County families to this day. 
The teacher of this school was Alexander McCalmont (who 
married Margaret Broadfoot, Alexander Hays' aunt) also one 
of the first board of trustees of the Venango Academy in 
which Alexander Hays was enrolled as a pupil previous to 
going to IMercer to a like institution. 

The Venango Academy, in its checkered career of more 
than fifty years, represented a system of educational work 
long since relegated to the past. It dated back to 1815 and 
was part of a general plan of higher instruction, wherein each 



Boyhood, School and College 5 

county had its academy to which state aid was directed, the 
greater sources of revenue being local. With the introduction 
of the so-called "free school system," these academies passed 
out of existence. 

The exact date that Alexander Hays went to Mercer to 
live cannot be given. Judge Pearson tells all that is known 
of his young brother-in-law's stay in Mercer in a letter to 
Alden F. Hays, of Sewickley, under date of August 27, 1883, 
when the venerable judge was in his 83rd year: 

"Alexander Hays, your father, lived with his sister Ellen 
and myself in Mercer, I think in 1832 or early in 1833, and 
went to school there (Old Mercer Academy) for perhaps two 
or three years, when he went back to Franklin to his father's, 
and soon after went to college in Meadville (Allegheny Col- 
lege) where I think he remained until he graduated." 

Judge Pearson is in error as to the graduation, for the 
records of Allegheny College show that Alexander Hays did 
not graduate, but was so keen to enter West Point, he left 
college in his senior year, as soon as he received his 
appointment. 

"Mr. Pearson," says Dr. Eaton, a local historian, "was 
one of our best citizens and ablest attorneys. He married 
Ellen, a daughter of General Samuel Hays, and after some 
years removed to Mercer, thence subsequently to Harrisburg, 
where he died." 

In 1849 he was appointed by Governor Johnston to the 
office of president judge of the twelfth judicial district, com- 
posed of the counties of Dauphin and Lebanon, the duties 
of which he discharged continuously for a period of thirty- 
three years, having been frequently re-elected without 
opposition. During his residence in Mercer he was twice 
elected to ofifice, first to the Congress of the United States, 
and afterward to the Senate of Pennsylvania for the counties 
of Mercer and Beaver, three years of which term were spent 
as chairman of the judiciary committee. Judge Pearson's 
second marriage was solemnized with Miss Mary H., 
daughter of Joseph and Caroline Briggs, of Harrisburg. 
Politically he was for many years an ardent Whig, and later, 
in 1856, he joined the newly-formed Republican party, with 
which he remained identified until his death in the spring 
of 1888. 



6 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Alexander Hays entered the freshman class in Allegheny 
College in 1836, in his 17th year.^ 

The curriculum of Allegheny College was similar to all 
colleges of the time. It was divided into the usual two 
courses; Classical and Scientific. The Classical included the 
old time Latin and Greek classics, most of which are custom- 
ary and accepted as standard today; present day text books, 
however, have English notes instead of Latin. 

Upon the registry of students of old Allegheny, 1836- 
1840, there are few names familiar to this generation. Ap- 
pearing as seniors in 1839 occur Patrick A. Farrelly and 
Jonathan Hamnett, of Pittsburgh, and Francis H. Pierpont, of 
Middletown, Va. Patrick Alden Farrelly, a grandson of the 
celebrated Timothy Alden, was a step-brother of Miss Annie 
McFadden, afterward the wife of Alexander Hays. Farrelly 
followed him to West Point, entering in 1841 and graduated 
No. 20 in the class of 1845. ^ 

Other familiar names of students when Alexander Hays 
attended college are his eldest brother, David B. Hays, a 
junior in 1837-1838; Samuel Griffith, of Mercer; Frederick C. 
Bierer, of Greensburg; Alexander Hays' lifelong friend, John 
S. McCalmont, of Franklin, a freshman in 1836-1837, of the 
West Point class of 1842, first colonel of the loth Pennsyl- 
vania Reserves, and later judge of Common Pleas in Venango 
and adjoining counties; John Fleming Dravo, of Pittsburgh, 
and John Wesley Fletcher White, a sophomore in 1839-1840, 
registered from Washington County, Pennsylvania, whom 
old Pittsburghers will recall as Judge White of Common 



iThis class graduated in 1840, and was as follows: 



Martin B. Atkins, 
A. E. S. Bailey, 
John H. Bailey, 
Benjamin Bassel, Jr., 
Gordon Battelle, 
James Porter Brawley, 
Moses Crow, 
Darwin A. Finney, 
Francis A. Hall, 
J. B. Johnson, 

William A. Kelly. 
Johnson Pearson, 

M. G. (or M. J.) Porter, 
Sawell J. Stewart, 
J. J. Sykes, 



Crawford County, Pennsylvania. 

Watertown, N. Y. 

Perry, N. Y. 

Harrison County, Va. (nowW. Va.) 

Newport, O. 

Crawford County, Pennsylvania. 

Smethport, Pa. 

Rutland County, Vermont. 

Lima. N. Y. 

Meadville. Pa. (also registered 

from Pittsburgh). 
Venango County, Pennsylvania. 
Mercer, Pa. (also registered from 

New Castle). 
Venango County, Pennsylvania. 
Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. 
Ogdensburg, N. Y. 



2 For memoir. Vide Appendix B. 



Boyhood, School and College 7 

Pleas Court No. 2 of Allegheny County. Ephraim Buffing- 
ton, freshman, 1838-1839, registered from Kittanning, has a 
homehke sound. Alfred B. McCalmont, of Franklin, was a 
freshman that year, a boyhood companion of Alexander 
Hays. 

Of Alexander Hays' classmates of 1840, Rev. Moses 
Crow, D. D., died in Geneva, N. Y. in 1859; Gordon Battelle 
died in 1863, a chaplain in the Union Army; Darwin A. Fin- 
ney, registered from Rutland County, Vermont, spent his 
after life in Meadville and was a member of the Fortieth 
Congress. Ridgeley J. Powers, of the class of 1843, was for 
many years a practicing attorney at the Allegheny County 
bar and noted for his resemblance to Abraham Lincoln. 

While a student in Meadville, Alexander Hays boarded 
with a family named Kennedy. Thomas Rustin Kennedy, a 
member of this family was on General Hays' stafif during the 
former part of 1863. 



CHAPTER II. 

CADET HAYS, U. S. M. A. 

THERE came a day when the schoolboy dreams of Alex- 
ander Hays were realized. July i, 1840, he reported 
to the adjutant and went through the preliminaries for 
admission as a cadet to the United States Military Academy at 
West Point, in four years to become graduate No. 1225, in the 
class of 1844, there taught by famous professors and fellow 
cadet with future makers of history ; soldiers of fame tri- 
umphant, soldiers immortal.^ 

Alexander Hays' appointment came to him at the hands 
of Judge Thomas Henry, of Beaver, then member of Congress 
from the Mercer and Beaver district, of Pennsylvania, who 
served in the Twenty-fifth, Twenty-sixth and Twenty- 
seventh Congresses. Young Alexander Hays passed a 
creditable entrance examination. He was leaving Allegheny 
College, 21 years old, and in superb physical condition. He 
entered upon the entrance examination without preparatory 
study. The examination was not rigid then as now, but all 
nominees for entrance were compelled to undergo it. Dr. 
Coppee states that it included the common branches only — 
arithmetic through decimals and that Grant's scholarship was 
respectable and no more and Grant admits it. Alexander 
Hays, however, was well prepared. 

One of Grant's biographers gives an amusing and suc- 
cinct account of Grant's experience when first a plebe at the 

1 The official register of Cadet Hays is as follows: 
"Admitted July 1, 1840. Age at date of admission, 19 years 
and 11 months. Legal residence, Mercer, Mercer County, Penn- 
sylvania. Father's name, Samuel Hays. Place of residence of 
parents, Franklin, Venango County, Pennsylvania. Where born, 
Pennsylvania. Time and manner of leaving the Academy, promotion 
brevet second lieutenant. Fourth Infantry, July 1, 1844." 

There is an error of one year here in the general's age; how 
occurring, not known. 

8 



Cadet Hays, U. S. M. A. 9 

old Academy. ^ Grant was quiet and serious. He might even 
have been termed docile. He had no remarks to hand back. 
Then Grant was small in statue and rather sluggish in nature. 
Alexander Hays was in striking contrast, of heroic mold, 
six feet in height and of magnificent physical proportions. 
Alexander Hays was quick, impetuous, even fiery. If any- 
thing in the code of cadet etiquette in the way of convention- 
alities in the reception and treatment of plebes, ever made 
life a burden to Alexander Hays and caused a weariness of 
the flesh, as Hamlin Garland avers in Grant's first year, the 
story has not come down to the Hays family. One must re- 
member here that Grant and Alexander Hays were subse- 
quently chums. ^ 

Little is known now of Alexander Hays' Academy days 
in the matter of his most intimate associates, or even his 
roommates and little is accessible. Grant's roommate was 
Rufus Ingalls, later Frederick T. Dent, and his intimates, 
Isaac F. Ouinby, Charles S. Hamilton, James Longstreet 
and William B. Franklin. These, however, were upper class- 
men to Alexander Hays. Yet Grant's friends were Flays' 
friends, and Allen Norton, class of 1842, was very dear to 
Alexander Hays. Some years ago a fire at West Point de- 
stroyed many early records. Had this biography been at- 
tempted in the life of General Hancock or other of Alexander 
Hays' classmates as interesting story as Grant's no doubt 
would have been easily forthcoming. Nevertheless some 
facts have drifted down the years concerning student life in 
those delightful days, and some days that were not so. 

Hamlin Garland in his Life of Grant in the chapter en- 
titled "The Trials of a Plebe" has most graphically told about 
all that could be told of the making of a cadet in the first 
stages in those years. He quotes General William B. Frank- 
lin to corroborate the story, and the general's evidence is 
strong. There were few compensations the first year. "Arise 
summer, 5 a. m. ; winter, 6. Every hour busy until 7:30 p. m. 
The cadet scrubbed his room floor; made his bed; kept his 
gun, room and uniform in order, and obeyed everybody but 
his fellow plebes." 

1 Garland. 

2 "Ulysses S. Grant, His Life and Character," Garland; P. 33. 



10 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

The second year brought a great change. There was 
the entering class to bully, and of course it had to be done 
or the class would never make good soldiers. If you had 
been a cadet in those days, you would have been permitted 
to swagger around doing corporal duty ; and the next year 
your lot was even lighter for you had two classes to bully. 
You could wear a red sash around your waist on parade to 
show your standing as a cadet officer, and in the last year 
you were permitted to do most anything you pleased ; in fact, 
the very things you kept your subordinates from doing in 
the second year. 

Alexander Hays came one year after Grant, and as a 
yearling most likely was a "fag end" in a manner. In the 
curt, over-expressive language of the Academy, a "beast." ^ 

Those who knew Alexander Hays can well believe no 
one ever went too far with fagging, for he would fight and 
did fight. Many letters written from West Point by Alex- 
ander Hays, after being treasured and sacredly preserved for 
over two score years, are now missing and their fate is un- 
known. Longstreet in his book touches but lightly on his 
Academy days,- and Hancock's biographers are almost as 
slight. Grant's generally confine their story to the individual. 
Grant in his "Memoirs" passes quickly over his cadet days 
and Dr. Coppee, who was a fellow student, in his book, does 
likewise. After the statement that the entrance examina- 
tions were simple, he tells us that there were no options 
afterwards. The cadet took the required course and passed 
the examinations or he got out. Many indeed fell by the 
wayside. 

"From September until June the cadets are in barracks, 
studying, riding, and fencing in the riding hall, and in fine 
weather drilling in the afternoon at infantry. From June to 
September, they encamped upon the plain, their time entirely 
employed in drills of every kind, guard duty, pyrotechning 
and practical engineering. 

"The daily duties were varied and interesting, especially 
during the summer months, when, in addition to the severe 

'- Consult "Ulysses S. Grant, His Life and Character," Garland, 
Chapter V., et seq. ; also, "West Point in the Early Sixties," General 
J. P. Farley; P. 37. 

2 "Manassas to Appomattox;" Chapter I. 



Cadet Hays, U. S. M. A. H 

studies of the class rooms, the cadets were practically exer- 
cised in the art of war. The encampment, with its sentinels, 
gave the effect of the tented field, with its drills, manoeuvres 
and discipline. There were the artillery drills, during which 
the athletic young men rattled the heavy field pieces about 
like so many playthings, loading, firing, swabbing, attacking 
and repelling with as a great degree of accuracy, rapidity, 
precision and skill as could be exhibited in active warfare."' 
At the cavalry exercises in the riding school, feats of horse- 
manship were performed that made the lady spectators shud- 
der with fright, and that rivaled in daring and skill some of 
the classical performances of the ancient circus. Then forti- 
fications would be laid out, fascines would be made, and 
bridges would be built out in the river on pontoons, launched 
from their w^agons. The art of war was exemplified.^ 

"Sam" Grant excelled in horsemanship. Alexander Hays 
too was a most excellent horseman from his youth. A rider 
in fact that dared that which any one else did. Coppee 
pictures Grant wearing an old torn coat and obsolescent 
leather gig top loose riding pantaloons with spurs buckled 
over them, with clanking sabre, riding at full speed in the 
riding hall. Riding jackets had not yet been issued and the 
cadets always wore their seediest rigs into the sweat and 
dust of the riding drill. Cadet Hays can likewise be seen in 
retrospect, and there were other seedy riders in those days 
who subsequently rode to fame and death. 

The discipline at the Academy was very strict, and in 
addition to daily marks for deficiencies at recitations, by 
which the relative standing of each cadet was ascertained at 
the end of the academic year, demerit marks were given for 
offenses against the regulations. These were given for what 
would seem a trivial nature, but they formed part of the 
system of discipline. Demerits were given for delinquencies 
that would not be noticed in other schools, for instance, a 
collar not neatly put on or a coat unbuttoned, shoes not 
properly blacked, not neatly shaved, or with hair too long 
at inspection, and when a cadet received more than a hundred 

1 "Life and Public Services of Ambrose E. Burnside," Ben Per- 
ley Moore, P. 36. 

2 "Ulysses S. Grant, His Life and Character," Garland; P. 52. 



12 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

demerits in six months, he was dismissed. Leniency, how- 
ever, was shown to the "plebes" by striking off one-third of 
their demerit marks. It will be readily seen that class stand- 
ing therefore was not altogether a matter of scholarship. De- 
merits commonly called black marks, Grant says, were given 
for almost nothing, and two hundred received in one year 
brought dismissal.^ 

The cadet uniform of Alexander Hays' days was the 
shade of gray cloth which had been adopted by General Win- 
field Scott for uniforming the troops with which he won the 
battle of Chippewa. It was trimmed with black braid, and 
ornamented with a profusion of brass ball buttons. In the 
winter the gray cloth, and in summer white drilling panta- 
loons were worn. The full dress hat was of leather, with 
woolen pompon, with a leather bellows-topped cap for un- 
dress. The trousers were poorly made of white stuff that 
would shrink. The gray uniform still holds at the Academy, 
but the style of the '40s had long since gone its way. Cadets' 
buttons in those years were highly prized by the belles who 
visited West Point, who secured them as trophies of war, 
wherein the theatre of operations was hearts — a changing 
field, no doubt. 

In a letter to a cousin, McKinstry Griffiths, of Batavia, 
Ohio, under date of September 22, 1839, Grant tells of his 
first months at the Academy and has a word of description 
concerning his uniform. He says : 

"If I were to come home now with my uniform on, the 
way you would laugh at my appearance would be curious. 
My pants set as tight to my skin as the bark to a tree, and 
if I do not walk military — that is, if I bend over qujckly or 
run — they are apt to crack with a report as loud as a pistol. 
My coat must always be buttoned up tight to the chin. It is 
made of sheep's gray cloth, all covered with big round but- 
tons. It makes one look very singular. If you were to see 
me at a distance, the first question you would ask would be, 
'Is that a fish or an animal?' " 

Imagine how the six feet tall Alexander Hays looked — 
dressed likewise. 

The "plebe year" of Cadet Alexander Hays passed 
quietly enough, according to traditions in the Hays family. 

1 "Ulysses S. Grant, His Life and Character," Garland, P. 41. 



Cadet Hays, U. S. M. A. 13 

Of the fifty-four who remained at the close of the year, Cadet 
Hays was No. 30 in order of general merit, 29 in mathematics, 
31 in French. His standing in conduct was 167 out of 219 
cadets in attendance. His scholarship and standing were 
fair, when it is considered that there was sometimes but a 
slight fraction between cadets' marks to determine these 
standings, and not having the marks to guide us, it is only 
just to consider that some of the commanders of the civil war 
who were high in academic standing and conduct at West 
Point, were such poor generals that they made as much 
history as successful generals, great commanders, who were 
medium or low in standing as cadets. Instances can be 
readily called to mind. 

Other statistics of Alexander Hays' West Point days are : 
Enrollment, June 1842, 217; June 1843, 223; June 1844, 211. 
Cadet Hays' scholarship was about the same ; his order of 
general merit sometimes as high as 14. His best standing 
in conduct was in his fourth year, 112, of 223. Coppee says 
"Grant's scholarship was respectable;" so was Alexander 
Hays'. Coppee's, however, was great. W^hen the war came 
between the States, scholarship did not do much successful 
fighting. Of the so-called "high men," Sherman was among 
the foremost and his number at graduation was 6. The world 
has rated him No. i in results. 

During his cadet years, the records of the Academy show 
that Alexander Hays served as cadet lieutenant from June 
24, 1843, until June, 1844, and that this was the only office he 
ever held in the corps of cadets. The course of study at the 
Academy was severe. An outline can be given as follows, 
the curriculum being during the years 1840-1847 : Engineer- 
ing, natural philosophy, including optics; astromony, 
mathematics, including surveying; drawing, French, chem- 
istry, mineralogy and geology, tactics (military), English 
and rhetoric, geography, history, ethics, including law. 

The class of "plebes" that entered in 1840 numbered 
nearly one hundred ; in June, 1841, fifty-four remained ; in 
June, 1842, forty-four; June 1843, thirty-four; and at gradua- 
tion, July I, 1844, twenty-five, as noted. 

The rigidity of the examinations can be given as the 
most potent cause of this falling ofif, and anyone who grad- 
uated at the Academy, even at the tail end of the class, could 



/" 



14 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

justly lay claim to scholarship, and class standings were 
often determined by the fractions of one per centum. 

It will be seen that Alexander Hays entered the famous 
Academy under favorable circumstances, and came under the 
tuition of some of its most noted professors — Church, Bart- 
lett and Mahan being especially so. Alexander Hays came 
to know and was associated with many cadets who were 
destined to become famous soldiers and live in history, to 
shine as few American soldiers' names had ever shone, and 
for whom the laurel has been most unsparingly used — Grant, 
Hancock, Re3molds, Lyon, Rosecrans, Longstreet, A. P. Hill, 
Jackson, Pickett, these are but a few of a long line of illus- 
trious soldiers recorded on the class records of the Academy 
and referred to in later chapters. 

Looking over the register of the Academy for the four 
years, 1840-1844, one is astonished at the brilliant galaxy of 
since familiar names, and becomes cognizant of the fact that 
there were many good men who fell in Mexico and much hard 
fighting in that little war.^ 

It has been stated that Alexander Hays fought with fists 
— while a cadet — and it was not on his own account, but for 
a little classmate. 

When Alexander Hays entered, he lacked a few days of 
his majority; Hancock, however, was only sixteen and Gen- 
eral F. A. Walker says that he was not mature, in fact, but 
half grown. "Hancock's large frame and powerful physique, 
his unfailing flow of animal spirits, and his impulsive dispo- 
sition required a longer period in the preparatory stage." - 

At the time of General Hancock's candidacy for the presi- 
dency (1880), this paragraph was printed: 

ALEXANDER HAYS AND WINFIELD S. HANCOCK. 

"General W. S. Hancock and General Alexander Hays, 
deceased, of this city were classmates at West Point. At 
their graduation, Hancock stood No. 18 in the class, and Hays 
No. 20. General Pleasanton, who stood No. 7 in the same 
class, tells the following anecdote of Hays and Hancock : 
'Hancock was the smallest boy in the class, hence in the event 
of a fight with any one of the boys, he was at a considerable 

1 Consult Cullum's "Register;" also "History of the Mexican 
War," Cadmus M. Wilcox, Appendix C; P. 609, et seq. 

2 "Great Commanders, Hancock," Walker; PP. 12, 13, 14. "Life 
of W. S. Hancock — Personal, Military, Political," Junkin and Nor- 
ton; P. 16. 



Cadet Hays, U. S. M. A. 15 

disadvantage. One time a big bully in another class, named 
Crittenden, had treated Hancock very meanly, and Alexander 
Hays, a big honest fellow, not afraid of anything, took up the 
quarrel for his little classmate. He challenged Crittenden to 
fight him at the Kosciusko Monument, in a secluded part of 
the grounds. Here the two men fought very hard and long, 
Hays coming out victor, and using his opponent up so badly 
that he was compelled to keep to his bed for several days.' " 

This incident is strictly true, and fully illustrates the 
chivalrous spirit that ever animated Alexander Hays. Captain 
David Shields, an aide on his stalT, of whom General Hays 
will have much to say in his letters from the front, often 
heard the story of this celebrated fight from officers who had 
either witnessed the affair, or were at the Academy at the 
time, or soon after, and the captain states that the versions 
he heard, concur in the declaration that it was a battle royal, 
and that the men fought for hours and at the finish both were 
down, but Alexander Hays got up first and was not put to 
bed, while Crittenden was, hence Hays was the victor and 
his prowess was fully established. 

To those who knew Hancock in the subsequent years, 
the description of him as a small boy will appear most strange, 
but General Pleasanton surely knew. Crittenden will be men- 
tioned later in these pages. Crittenden was a brave man, as 
brave as Marshal Ney. He died as Ney died. 

General Simon B. Buckner, of the class of 1844, gave 
many most interesting details of those West Point days, and 
there was a strong and lasting friendship between him and 
Alexander Hays, and the old general speaks most reverently 
of his classmate Hays, just as Longstreet does of Grant. 
Strong friendships were formed at the old Academy, regard- 
less of geographical lines, and the class of 1844 had its 
chuminess distributed, as the others. 

The Crittenden-Hays fisticuffs is authenticated in a per- 
sonal letter from General Hancock to Mrs. General Hays in 
1865 after the general's death. In the same letter General 
Hancock also pays deserved tribute to a gallant soldier who 
was so intimately connected with his own brilliant career.^ 

1 For letter Vide Chapter XXII. 



CHAPTER III. 

SOME FELLOW CADETS 

WHEN the Civil War was progressing Alexander Hays 
was brought face to face with many cadets he had 
known at West Point, some of whom obtained high 
rank. He met in the service two commanders in chief; one of 
the armies of the United States and the other of the Army of 
the Potomac — Ulysses S. Grant and George B. McClellan. 
As one reads the class rolls there will appear who of Alex- 
ander Hays' fellow cadets were antagonists and on what 
fields. When Burnside was in command of the Army of the 
Potomac, Alexander Hays was incapacitated for duty by 
reason of wounds received in battle. Hooker was of the class 
of 1837. Both Hooker and Burnside were in service in 
Mexico. Meade,^ of the class of 1835, was with Taylor in the 
Military Occupation of Texas, and participated in the battles 
on Texan soil, in which Alexander Hays saw his first active 
field service and received his "baptism of fire," a phrase dear 
to some modern soldiers. Hooker commanded a division in 
Heintzelman's corps on the Peninsula of Virginia, in which 
corps Alexander Hays served in General Charles S. Ham- 
ilton's division. 

With the closing of his first year at the Academy, Alex- 
ander Hays saw a large class graduated and promoted brevet 
second lieutenants in the Army of the United States — in com- 
mon parlance — "The Regular Army." 

CLASS OF 1841 

Fifty-two young officers went forth from the old Academy 
in 1841, and if one were to be selected to tower above all the 
rest, whose name has gone down the years and for whom 

1 Life and Letters of Major General George G. Meade, Vol. I., 
P. 25, et seq., Mexican War Letters, "Lee and Longstreet at High 
Tide," P. 144, et seq. 

16 



Some Fellow Cadets 17 

"All time is the millenial of his glory/' beyond question there 
must be written, John Fulton Reynolds, whose first war service 
came with Taylor's Military Occupation of Texas as an officer 
of artillery, and he was "engaged in the heroic defense of 
Fort Brown. Texas, May 3-9. 1846," while former plebe, Alex- 
ander Hays, and second classman U. S. Grant, of Reynolds' 
Academy days, were second lieutenants with Taylor's suc- 
coring army at Palo Alto, and the Palm Ravine, Resaca, 
near by. Reynolds, "killed," the record closes, "July i, 1863, 
aged 42." The echi^es of Gettysburg yet startle us. 

In 1841 Zealous B. Tower was No. i, and Horatio G. 
Wright, No. 2, the latter the successor of the lamented John 
Sedgwick as commander of the Sixth Corps of the Army of 
the Potomac. Amiel W. Whipple, No. 5 — "killed at Chancel- 
lorsville," was a division commander under Sickles in the 
Third Corps of the same army, in which corps Alexander Hays 
first commanded a regiment. Albion P. Howe, Sixth Corps 
division commander, Nathaniel Lyon, "killed at Wilson's 
Creek" for whom we lay the laurel lovingly for all time ; 
"General Israel B. Richardson, killed at Antietam," and Don 
Carlos Buell were of this class, also William T. H. Brooks, 
whom old citizens of Pittsburgh and vicinity will remember 
as commander of the military district of the Monongahela in 
1864, with headquarters in that city. 

There were some who fought well in the Ci\ il War, but 
not under the Stars and Stripes ; among them Robert S. 
Garnett, "killed at Carrick's Ford, Va.. July 13, 1861," one of 
the first conspicuous losses of the Confederates, the other 
Garnett, Richard B., "Dick," who went to his death July 3d, 
1863, ^t Gettysburg, close to, almost in front of Alexander 
Hays' victorious guns — at the "high water mark of the war" 
and John M. Jones, "killed May 10, 1864, at Spottsylvania," 
five days after Alexander Hays. A famous class was 1841 and 
Alexander Hays had reasons to remember them all, and espe- 
cially those who fell in battle in Mexico. Ayres, Burbank and 
Gault, the latter first in the assault on Chapultepec, where 
he fell "leading and pressing forward with daring intrepidity 
a company of stormers." 

In this class of 1841 there w^as one graduate from Pitts- 
burgh, Simon S. Fahnestock, No. 20, of a prominent Pittsburgh 
family, who resigned from the army in 1850 after service in 
Mexico, became a hardware merchant in Pittsburgh until 1865 



18 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

and in later life an official of the Patent Office in Washington 
for many years. ^ 

The class of 1841 is so famous that General Farley in his 
book takes it as a model class in high individual standing, 
whose records are admirable materials for history, having 
furnished sixteen generals, with fourteen of the class killed in 
battle.2 

CLASS OF 1842 

The class of 1842, numbering 46, was known for two 
years to Alexander Hays. At its head was Henry L. Eustis 
of Massachusetts whose highest rank in the Civil War was 
brigadier general of volunteers, in later years, a distinguished 
scholar; first as assistant professor of engineering at West 
Point, then a professor in Harvard University, and lastly as 
dean of the Lawrence Scientific School at Cambridge, Mass., 
until his death in 1885. 

John Newton was No. 2, and William S. Rosecrans, No. 
5. John Pope, Seth Williams, and Abner Doubleday are 
noted names who have overshadowed the scholarly Eustis. 

Williams was adjutant at West Point from 1850-1853, 
when Robert E. Lee was commander, and adjutant general of 
the Army of the Potomac. Doubleday, who commanded a 
battery of artillery at Fort Sumter, when the opening gun of 
the great war was fired, wrote a history of the Battle of 
Gettysburg and left out Brigadier-General Alexander Hays.^ 

There was also Napoleon J. T. Dana, who was prominent 
in affairs in the southwest in command of the Thirteenth 
Corps, and George Sykes, who commanded the Fifth Corps 
at Gettysburg and after. 

Then, too, in this notable class was John S. McCalmont, 
Alexander Hays' townsman at Franklin, and boyhood friend, 
colonel of the loth Pennsylvania Reserves in 1861-1862, pre- 
viously president judge of the Eighteenth Judicial district of 
Pennsylvania, comprising JefTerson, Clarion, Venango, Forest 
and Mercer counties, 1853-1861. 

Judge McCalmont's service after graduation was very 
brief — only one year in garrisons in Florida, 1842-1843. He 

1 Quotations from Cullum's Register of West Point. 

2 "West Point in the Early Sixties," J. P. Farley; P. 11. 

3 "Chancellorsville and Gettysburg;" first edition. 



Some Fellow Cadets 19 

was the devoted friend of the Hays family throug-h life, having 
reached an advanced age. 

Then there was also Allen H. Norton of Ohio, so dear 
to Alexander Hays' heart that he named a deceased son, 
Allen Norton Hays. Allen H. Norton's military history is 
pathetically brief; verbatim it is: 

"Brevet second lieutenant, First Infantry, July i, 1842; 
second lieutenant. Fourth Infantry, September 13, 1842; 
served on frontier duty at Fort Snelling, Minn., 1842-1843, 
Fort Scott, Kan., 1843; escorting Santa Fe traders, 1843; and 
at the Military Academy as assistant instructor of infantry 
tactics, July 28, 1844 to November 2.y, 1844; first lieutenant, 
Fourth Infantry, October 12, 1846. Drowned November 27, 
1846, aged 25, in the wreck of the Steamer Atlantic at Fisher's 
Island (near Stonington, Ct.), Long Island Sound." ^ 

Through all his remaining years, Alexander Hays spoke 
earnestly of his friend Norton, and always in words of rever- 
ence. It will be noted that although officers of the same 
regiment, the Fourth Infantry, owing to the diflference in as- 
signments, the two were not together with the regiment. 
When Norton lost his life, Lieut. Hays was on recruiting 
service after returning home wounded from Texas. 

Of the class of 1842, there were some who became noted 
Confederate generals and the greatest name in the history of 
the Confederate armies and likewise of all the graduates of 
West Point who joined the Confederacy, except Lee and 
Jackson, is unquestionably James Longstreet, No. 54, two 
only lower. Longstreet was a fellow lieutenant with Grant 
and Alexander Hays at Natchitoches, La., in the Fourth In- 
fantry in 1844-1845 ; and then transferred, as was Alexander 
Hays, to the Eighth Infantry. 

Then there was that really great soldier of the Confed- 
eracy, Daniel H. Hill, and LaFayette McLaws, a division 
commander under Longstreet, graduating only four numbers 
ahead of his famous corps commander; Earl Van Dorn, re- 
minding one of Pea Ridge and Corinth ; Alexander P. Stewart, 
a corps commander in Bragg's army ; and more scholarly than 
famous, Mansfield Lovell, No. 9, commander of the Confed- 
erate forces at New Orleans when that city was surrendered 
in 1862. 

Some of these graduates of 1842, who fell in Mexico, were 
comrades in the Fourth and Eighth Infantry of Alexander 

1 "Cullum's Register," Vol. II.; P. 58. 



20 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Hays at Natchitoches and were engaged in the early battles 
of Taylor's army. There were Jenks Beaman, Fourth Infantry, 
who died at Tampico, May 6, 1848, after hard service with 
Scott to the captured city ; John D. Clark, transferred from 
the Fourth to the Eighth Infantry, adjutant to May 2, 1847, 
likewise in all the battles to the City of Mexico, brevetted cap- 
tain, and "drowned August 2, 1848, in the Mississippi River, 
near Helena, Ark.;" Christopher R. Perry, Fourth Infantry, 
died at sea, October 8, 1848; and James O. Handy, second 
lieutenant, Eighth Infantry, vi'ho died at Corpus Christi, Sep- 
tember 26, 1845. during the Military Occupation of Texas. 

Only a few of the graduates of the class of 1841 were 
assigned to either of the two regiments in which Alexander 
Hays saw service. Benjamin A. Berry, second lieutenant, 
Fourth Infantry, was killed by an explosion of the boilers 
of the Steamer Dayton in Aransas Bay. Tex.. September 12, 
1845 — during the Military Occupation of Texas; Charles F. 
Morris, first lieutenant of the Eighth Infantry, died in the 
City of Mexico of wounds received at Molino del Rey. Sep- 
tember 17, 1847, before Alexander Hays joined that regiment; 
John G. Burbank. first lieutenant in the Eighth, and died of 
wounds received in the same battle; John Beardsley. second 
lieutenant, Eighth Infantry, returned home with Alexander 
Hays on recruiting service after the first battles on the Rio 
(jrandc. in which Morris, Burbank, Hays and he participated. 
Morris, Burbank and Hays were wonnded at Resaca, and 
Beardsley severely at Molino del Rey. Beardsley, promoted 
to first lieutenant, was Alexander Hays' superior on Hays' 
transfer to the Eighth Infantry. 

CLASS OF 1843 

The class of 1843 fell off in numbers. Only 39 were pro- 
moted into the army that year, and these were three-year 
Academy mates of Alexander Hays. William B. Franklin 
was No. I and George Deshon No. 2. Deshon was assistant 
professor of experimental philosophy in 1844- 1845 at West 
Point, and later in 1851, after serving as assistant professor 
of geography, history and ethics at the Academy, was assigned 
to duty at the Allegheny Arsenal at Pittsburgh, and resigned 
while there to become a Roman Catholic priest. No. 3 was 
Thomas J. Brereton of Pittsburgh, who attained the rank of 
captain and became a son-in-law of the Hon. Harmar Denny, 



Some Fellow Cadets 21 

a member of Congress from Pittsburgh in tlie 'I'vventy-first to 
the Twenty-fourth Congresses. Capt. Brereton and Alex- 
ander Hays were frequently in touch in Pittsburgh in the 
decade preceding the Civil War. 

Isaac F. Ouinby, Christopher C. Augur, Charles S. Ham- 
ilton, Frederick Steele, Frederick T. Dent, brother-in-law of 
Ulysses S. Grant, Henry M. Judah and Rufus Ingalls form a 
gallant array of Civil War generals on the side of the Union. 
Tngalls, while quartermaster general of the Army of the 
Potomac, held close and most friendly relations with Alex- 
ander Hays. Part of their fame is to have been enrolled 
alongside of Ulysses Simpson Grant, No. 21, to have studied 
with, marched in the cadet battalion, recited in the same 
class, or served in the same company and regiment with the 
great commander. 

There were noted names on this class roll who went 
v.itli their States in 1861, and were arrayed against class- 
mates, schoolmates, and comrades in the dark days of 1861- 
1865. There were Roswell S. Ripley, a native of Ohio, ap- 
pointed from New York, author of the "History of the War 
with Mexico," Samuel G. French, born in New Jersey and 
appointed from that State, who could not take Allatoona 
when John W. Corse held that famous fort in October, 1864 
and Franklin Gardner, another man of Northern birth, ap- 
pointed from Iowa, who surrendered Port Hudson when his 
classmate and fellow lieutenant. Fourth Infantry. Grant, 
marched triumphantly into Vicksburg and opened the great 
river, never to be closed again during the war. 

There were some comrades of Alexander Hays in the 
class of 1843, who fell in battle in Mexico, or died from 
wounds received in battles on Mexican soil ; 2nd Lieut. Theo- 
dore L. Chadbourne, Eighth Infantry, most gallantly dis- 
tinguishing himself fell at the head of his ccmimand at Resaca, 
only 23 years old. 2nd Lieut. George Stevens, Second Dra- 
goons, was in service during the Military Occupation of Texas, 
engaged at Palo Alto and Resaca. and was drowned on the 
passage of the Rio Grande, May 18, 1846, aged 25. This was a 
historical occasion which will be fully noted in another chap- 
ter.^ 2nd Lieut. Robert Hazlitt, a native of Pennsylvania, was 
a comrade of Alexander Hays in the Fourth Infantry, at Camp 

1 Vide Chapter V.; P. 49. 



22 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Salubrity, La., in the Military Occupation of Texas, and in 
all the battles with Taylor's little army to Monterey, where 
in an assault upon the enemy's entrenchments he was killed, 
September 21, 1846, with the morning of life still bright for 
him ; only 25 years old. 

Generals Augur and Judah were second lieutenants in 
the Fourth Infantry when Alexander Hays was assigned to 
that regiment. LaFayette B. Wood and Charles G. Merchant, 
of this class, were holding the same rank in the Eighth when 
Lieut. Hays was transferred to that regiment and all four 
were in service with Taylor's army in the Rio Grande up to 
the battle of Monterey. 

CLASS OF 1845 

The class of 1845 contained forty-one and among these 
are some famous names — living, burning, thrilling names, 
three-year Academy mates of Alexander Hays. 

William H. C. Whiting, of j\Iississippi, was No. i, a 
famous engineer, captured at Fort Fisher, a work which he 
had built and of which he was in command, and where 
severely wounded he became a prisoner of war and died at 
Governor's Island, N. Y., March 10, 1865, only a month before 
the fated Confederacy collapsed. 

William F. Smith, better known as Major General 
"Baldy" Smith, commander of the Eighteenth Corps in the 
Petersburg campaign of 1864, Thomas J. Wood, that famous 
loyal Kentuckian of the Army of the Cumberland, Charles P. 
Stone, No. 7, around whose name is written a story of pathos 
and wrong, after the war Stone Pasha in Egypt, and Fitz 
John Porter, No. 8, are four generals who have furnished 
pages of American history and all were cadet subordinates of 
Alexander Hays. General Wood was with Taylor on the 
Rio Grande, a second lieutenant in the topographical 
engineers. 

The renowned Henry Coppee, LL. D., soldier and 
scholar, was of this class, serving with Scott's army in active 
service from Vera Cruz to the capture of the city, afterwards 
professor in the ^lilitary Academy, his alma mater, and the 
University of Pennsylvania ; then president of Lehigh Uni- 
versity. Lieut. Coppee, a brilliant man of letters, a logician 
and an author, was "brevetted captain for gallant and meri- 
torious services in the battles of Contreras and Churubusco." 



Some Fellow Cadets 23 

Patrick Alden Farrelly, No. 20, of Pennsylvania, ap- 
pointed at large, was perhaps of all the West Point school- 
mates the closest to Alexander Hays, with the possible ex- 
ception of John S. McCalmont. McCalmont, Hays and Far- 
relly had been chums at Allegheny College, and had entered 
West Point in the order above, Farrelly graduating from 
Allegheny College in the class of 1839. He was a second 
lieutenant in the Fourth Infantry from July i, 1845, and in the 
Military Occupation of Texas, with Taylor until after ]Mon- 
terey, thence with his new assignment, the Fifth Infantry, in 
Scott's army until the taking of the City of Mexico, and w^as 
severely wounded at Churubusco. His family connection 
with Alexander Hays will be subsequently related.^ 

Gordon Granger, brings to mind Chickamauga, the Army 
of the Cumberland and its great commander George H. 
Thomas. 

Henry B, Clitz, is a most interesting name. He was one 
of the garrison at Fort Brown, with John F. Reynolds, when 
Alexander Hays was with Taylor's small and gallant succor- 
ing army. Clitz served through Scott's campaign to the City 
of Mexico and after the war at the JNIilitary Academy as 
assistant instructor of military tactics. When the Civil War 
came, he was active on the Peninsula in the same battles 
with Alexander Hays ; twice wounded desperately at Gaines' 
Mills, a prisoner in Richmond, paroled for exchange, Lieut. 
Colonel Clitz on partial recovery was assigned to West Point 
as commandant of the corps of cadets and instructor of ar- 
tillery, infantry and cavalry tactics. General Charles King, 
who was a plebe in 1862, in his "Story of West Point During 
the War," says : ^ "There was to be no more battle for gallant 
Harry Clitz. He was crippled for all time and came to us 
like his predecessor, General Kenner Garrard, a victim of 
Twiggs' treachery in Texas, a paroled prisoner whose heart 
was with his comrades at the front." Brevetted brigadier 
general. United States army, for gallant and distinguished 
services. General Clitz continued in the service until retired. 
His fate has never been known. He disappeared at Niagara 
Falls, October 30, 1888, and no man has seen or heard aught 
of him since.^ 

1 Appendix B. 

2 Sunday Magazine Articles, by General Charles King, 1910. 

3 Cullum's Register, Vol. II.; P. 244. A touching tribute. 



24 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

David A. Russell, was a comrade of Alexander Hays in 
the Fourth Infantry, in Texas, and in service with him also in 
the expedition of (iencral Joseph Lane to the City of Mexico. 
Some Mexican battles and skirmishes recorded in General 
Russell's record are also in Hays', viz. : in defense of the 
convoy at Paso Ovcjas, the engagemcnls at the National 
Bridge, Las Animas, and at Huamantla. Like his illus- 
trious comrade Hays, of the same rank. David A. Russell, 
brevet major general fc)r gallant and meritorious services 
at the battle of the Opequan, fell on that bloody field, on the 
advance line, going down to an instant and appalling death 
before the almost annihilating force of a cannon ball. "Of the 
same rank" has been stated — with the distinction, Hays of 
volunteers — Russell, United States army. The sameness of 
rank was in the command — both division generals command- 
ing volunteers and both honored by promotion after death. 

Thomas G. Pitcher, 2nd lieutenant, Eighth Infantry, 
was in Mexico with that regiment in Scott's army. General 
Pitcher was disabled by wounds received at Cedar Mountain 
August 9, 1862, and was superintendent of the Military 
Academy from 1866 to 1870, by special act of (^ongress the 
first oflficer thus serving not of the corps of engineers. 

The last man. No. 41, was William L. Crittenden, of 
Kentucky, the cadet with whom Alexander tlays had the 
fistic encounter previously noted. ' Crittenden and his former 
antagonist Hays saw their first active service together in the 
Military Occupation of Texas. Crittenden in the Fifth Infan- 
try was engaged in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca and 
served gallantly. lie was on duty at \'era Cruz and in the 
City of Mexico, and resigned from the army in 1849, about a 
year later than Alexander Hays. Crittenden became in 185 1 
a colonel in General Lopez' second filibustering expedition 
against Cuba, which being unsuccessful, he w^ith his party, 
in an attempted escape in launches were captured by a Span- 
ish man-of-war and shot August 15, 1851. at the Castle of 
Atares, Havana Harbor, aged 28. Crittenden's was the fate 
of an adventurer, in striking contrast with that of Alexander 
Hays, his old antagonist, and David A. Russell, his class- 
mate, and those more obscure of his comrades who went to 
soldiers' deaths in Mexico and during the Civil War. When 
the captured of this ill-fated expedition were lined up to be 

1 Vide Chapter II.. P. 14; also Chapter VII. 



Some Fellow Cadets 25 

shot, the Spanish officer in command, ordered them to kneel. 
Crittenden did not obey and when distinctly ordered to kneel, 
gave to the world a reply that has rendered his name im- 
mortal : "Sir," he said, "An American kneels to none but 
(iod, and always faces an enemy." A volley followed, and 
Crittenden's body fell — "a lump of clay." and thus a mis- 
guided but brave and chi\alr()us soldier went to an ignoble 
end. 

Including Whiting, six of the class of 1845 "joined in 
the rebellion against the United States," as Cullum's Record 
always puts it, only one of whom became prominent — Bernard 
E. Bee, of South Carolina, "killed July 21, 1861, at the battle 
of Bull Run, Va." 

Bee served in the Military Occupation of Texas, and in 
Taylor's army on the Rio Grande, and Thomas G. Rhett, 
No. 6, of South Carolina, was one of the beleaguered garrison 
of Puebla when Alexander Hays reached there with General 
Lane's relieving;- command. 

CLASS OF 1846 

The cla.ss of 1846 had been two years at the Academy 
when Alexander Hays went forth to active service. Fifty- 
nine brevet second lieutenants, July ist of this year. C. Sea- 
forth Stewart, of New Jersey, was No. i and after him comes 
a name, perhaps oftener mentioned in the aimals of the Civil 
War than any others, unless we except always Lincoln and 
Grant, and in the later years of the war, Sherman and Sheri- 
dan, and that name is George Brinton McClellan, born in 
Pennsylvania and appointed from Pennsylvania. General 
McClellan in command of the .\rmy of the Potomac and Alex- 
ander Hays, then a colonel of volunteers, met on the F*enin- 
sula of Virginia early in 1862. The references to that meet- 
ing in Colonel Ma}s' letters home are most interesting.^ 

It may be noted in passing that McClellan, like Hays, 
after his resignation from the army was engaged in railroad 
construction. Before the Civil War McClellan was chief 
engineer of the Illinois Central Railroad, and at the outbreak 
of that war was president of the St. Louis and Cincinnati 
Railroad. 

John (i. Foster, subsequently brevet major general, U. S. 
A., and one of the garrison of Fort Sumter in April 1861. was 
No. 4 of this class. 

' Vide Chapter XIIT. 



26 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

No. 7, George H. Derby, awakens no martial history, yet 
Lieut. Derby, of the topographical engineers served gallantly 
in Mexico and was severely wounded and disabled at Cerro 
Gordo. He served with the engineers until his death, May 
15, 1861, at which time he had obtained the rank of captain. 
Capt. Derby's military record is known to few, but in 
literature under the nom de plume of "John Phoenix," he 
was a noted humorist. His "Phoenixiana" of "Sketches and 
Burlesque" published in 1856, and his "Squibob Papers" in 
i860, were laugh producers in those troublesome ante bellum 
days. Derby was the forerunner of Artemus Ward, a humor- 
ist of a somewhat dififerent type and almost contemporaneous. 
Capt. Derby had long service on the Pacific coast, arriving 
however, after Alexander Hays' return from California, and 
was one of the many of the West Pointers including Hays, 
Halleck and Sherman, who were there in the hurley-burley 
and glamour of those exciting days. 

Jesse L. Reno, a townsman of Alexander Hays at Frank- 
lin, was No. 8; "Born in Virginia," the record says, "ap- 
pointed from Pennsylvania" and the reader here mentally ob- 
serves "Killed at South Mountain. September 14, 1862" and 
this was three weeks after Colonel Alexander Hays had re- 
ceived a disabling wound at Second Bull Run. The loved 
and chivalric Reno completed his brilliant record by a glori- 
ous death, and but preceded the dashing and intrepid Hays. 
On the Soldiers' monument in the beautiful little city of 
Franklin, Pa., that commemorates the heroic dead of Venango 
County, Jesse L. Reno's and Alexander Hays' names are side 
by side, their records in brief, identical — told in six words : 
"Dead on the Field of Honor." 

Edward C. Boynton, served in Mexico under both Scott 
and Taylor. When the Civil War began he was professor of 
chemistry, mineralogy and geology at the University of 
Mississippi, where he had been from January 12, 1856. Sep- 
tember 12, 1861, he was dismissed for "Evincing a want of 
attachment to the government of the Confederate States." 
During the war, Boynton was adjutant at West Point. He 
is the author of the "History of West Point and the Origin 
and Progress of the United States Military Academy," pub- 
lished in 1863, and other works. Boynton was severely 
wounded at Churubusco, and probably did not feel physically 



Some Fellow Cadets 27 

able for field service as he declined the command of both the 
Second and Sixth Vermont regiments in 1861. 

The class of 1846 furnished its full quota of illustrious 
soldiers. On the Union side : Darius N. Couch, commander 
of the Second Army Corps, preceding Hancock ; Truman 
Seymour, one of the famous garrison of Fort Sumter in April, 
1861 ; Charles C. Gilbert, of Buell's army ; Samuel D. Sturgis, 
George Stoneman, the cavalry leader; James Oakes, of Penn- 
sylvania, vv^ho died in 191 1; with the exception of General 
Buckner, most probably the last of Alexander Hays' fellow 
cadets; Innis N. Palmer, Alfred Gibbs, George H. Gordon, 
and DeLance}^ Floyd-Jones, a fellow lieutenant of Alexander 
Hays in the Fourth Infantry. 

Of the Confederates in this class, No. 17, Thomas Jon- 
athan Jackson, is going down the ages as "Stonewall." Brig- 
adier General John Adams, of Mississippi, was killed at 
Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864, having been with his 
horse shot from the top of Schofield's earthworks, upon 
which he had ridden in one of Hood's desperate charges. 
Dabney H. Maury was a former professor at the Military 
Academy and was dismissed before he availed himself of the 
opportunity to resign. Cadmus M. Wilcox was for one year 
a brevet second lieutenant in the Fourth Infantry ; in the Civil 
War a brigade and division commander under his old com- 
rade, Longstreet, attaining the rank of major general. Gen- 
eral Wilcox died in Washington, D. C, December 2, 1890.^ 

Samuel Bell Maxey, No. 58, a Kentuckian, (a name that 
comes down to our own political da3's) was with Scott in 
Mexico and entered the Confederate service from Texas, 
where he had located after leaving the army. He served as 
United States Senator from Texas from 1875 to 1887. Gen- 
eral Maxey died in 1895. 

But next to Jackson, the most famous Confederate of 
the class of 1846 was the tail-ender, No. 59, George E. 
Pickett, a name still resonant of Gettysburg and glory — the 
glory of his great charge properly known in military history 
as "Longstreet's assault on Hancock's line at the Union 
right center." In this assault Cadmus M. Wilcox com- 
manded the right supporting column. Pickett served most 

1 A most valuable, and voluminous book is General Wilcox's 
"History of the Mexican War," a posthumous work in one volume 
edited by his niece, Mary Rachel Wilcox. 



28 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

gallantly in Mexico in Scott's army, first a brev^et second 
lieutenant in the Eighth Infantry, then in the Second and 
Seventh Infantr}- for brief periods, returning to the Eighth 
within the year. It is worthy of note that Pickett, a Vir- 
ginian, was appointed to the Academy from Illinois, at the 
personal request of Abraham Lincoln.' 

Nine in all of 1846 entered the Confederate armies, none 
except as named, attaining any special distinction. 

CLASS OF 18 47 

The class of 1847 numbered but 38. These were the 
plcbes during Alexander Hays' first class period : John C. 
Symmes, a loyal Kentuckian, was No. i, and Henry Heth, a 
cousin of Pickett's, No. 38, and Heth made much more history 
than the more scholarly Symmes, who retired in November, 
1861, for disability resulting from disease and exposure in 
his fourteen years service. It is evident Alexander Hays' 
acquaintance and association with these graduates was nec- 
essarily brief. There are some names, worthy of special 
mention, and one John Gibbon, No. 20, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, appointed from North Carolina, was most closely 
-associated, more so than any others, by reason of command- 
ing divisions in the Second Corps. Their relations were 
especially close at Gettysburg. Gibbon, however, ranked 
Alexander Hays. 

Eighteen forty-seven's roll includes a commander of the 
Army of the f^otomac, Ambrose E. Burnside, No. 18. Alex- 
ander Hays, during Burnside's brief term, was in the hospital 
at Washington recovering from wounds received at Second 
Bull Run. He speaks kindly, however, of Burnside in his let- 
ters home, and evinces pity and sympathy for Burnside's 
unhappy experience." 

But there are other notable names in the history of the 
Civil War from this class; Orlando B. W'illcox, a lawyer of 
Detroit, who returned to the army and arose to the command 
of the Ninth Army Corps; John S. Mason, of Steubenville, 
Ohio, first colonel of the 4th Ohio in the Civil War, at 
Gettysbtirg and after one of Hays' regiments in the Third 
Division of the Second Corps, after Mason's promotion ; James 
B. Ery, best known for his faithful, meritorious and dis- 

1 "Pickett and His Men," LaSalle Corbell Pickett; P. 126. 
-' Vide Chapter XIV. 



Some Fellow Cadets 29 

tinguished services in the provost marshal generars office 
during the Civil War; Horatio G. Gibson, a Pennsylvanian, 
before and after the v^ar famous in his adopted state, Ohio; 
Romeyn B. Ayres. of New York, and Charles Griffin, of Ohio, 
names recalling the fame of the Maltese cross, bringing up 
also Governeur K. Warren and the Fifth Corps of the Army 
of the Potomac; Thomas II. Neill. serving in the iMiurth In- 
fantry in Mexico; colonel of the 23d Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
Birney's Zouaves in the Civil War; William W. Burns, an- 
other Ohio man, participating in all the battles of the Penin- 
sula cami)aign, in which Alexander Flays was engaged ; 
Egbert L. \'iele. whose most notal)le position after retirement 
from the army was enginecr-in-chicf of Central Park, New 
York: Augustus H. Seward, son of William H. Seward, secre- 
tary of state under President Lincoln, who served in Mexico 
in the Eighth Infantry; all these were soldiers of merit and 
worthy of more sjjecific mention. 

Of the four who followed the fortunes of the Confederacy, 
Ambrose P. Hill, of Virginia, was most intimately associated 
with Alexander Mays by reason of service together under 
General Lane in Central Mexico, Lieut. Hill being actively 
engaged with Capt. Taylor's battery of the Third Artillery at 
Huamantla and Atlixco and in both these cond)ats Alexander 
Hays was a i)articipant. Hill resigned from the United States 
army March i, 180 1. and his war record, heightened by the 
dying words, both of Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee, 
closes with the capitalized line usual in such cases in Cullum's 
Register: "Killed April 2. 1865, near Petersburg, Va., age<l 
40" — only one week before Appomattox. Heth was a 
division commander in Hill's Confederate Corps, and his men 
under General J. J. Pettigrcw were directly opposed to Gen- 
eral .Alexander Hays at Gettysburg. n"he other two 
Confederates of this class, Blake, of South Carolina, and Beltz- 
hoover, a Pennsylvanian, for six years professor of mathe- 
matics in Mount St. Mary's College at Emittsburg. attained 
no especial distinction. In the war days these would have 
been called just ordinary rebels. 

.\ sad record of this class is that of Otis H. Tillinghast, 
No. 13, a Union soldier, mortally wounded at First Bull Run ; 
killed in the first crash of cattle. The morbid may see adverse 
fate in his class number. 

How many of tlicse classes, 1845- 1847, were well known 



30 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

to Alexander Hays by reason of Hays' office of cadet lieu- 
tenant from June, 1843, to June, 1844, cannot now be stated, 
but there were many. Mention has been given in detail 
of some cadets of Alexander Hays' Academy days by reason 
of association here and afterwards. In the classes, 1841 to 
1847, occur the names of the most famous of American com- 
manders, and many others, some low in rank but ideal types 
of the American soldier. In the perusal of these class lists 
there can be found sufficient incentive to glorious deeds, and 
worthy exemplars for all time. 

18 40 AND PREVIOUS 

On the day that Alexander Hays entered the old Academy, 
there went out other famous soldiers, and among these two 
shine more brightly than any others of that year, and they 
shine for all ages: William T. Sherman and George H. 
Thomas, Nos. 6 and 12, respectively. It will be sufficient to 
mention how closely Alexander Hays came to being associated 
with the great leaders as he was with Grant, Hancock and 
Longstreet. Then, too, Richard S. Ewell and Bushrod R. 
Johnson were of this class. Johnson, a noted Confederate 
general, was with Taylor's little army in the Military Occupa- 
tion of Texas and in the battles along the Rio Grande and 
there is evidence that Alexander Hays knew Ewell well before 
the Civil War, for he speaks of him as "Old Dick." ^ 

There was also George W. Getty, a name familiar to all 
those Pittsburghers who served in the Sixth Corps of the 
Army of the Potomac, in the support of whose hard pressed 
lines on the Brock Road, May 5, 1864, in the Wilderness, 
Alexander Hays went to a soldier's death. 

Then there was William Hays, a native of Virginia, loyal 
and brave, like his classmate and fellow Virginian, George 
H. Thomas, and he is the Hays who gave Alexander Hays 
some unhappy hours by reason of similarity of names, when 
William Hays was in brief command of the Second Corps 
after Hancock's disablement at Gettysburg. The two Hayses 
were in service together in Taylor's army. 

It will be noticed that many distinguished soldiers on the 
side of the Union, and some noted Confederates are not men- 
tioned in Alexander Hays' West Point days. Sheridan, 
Warren, Slocum, Howard, Schofield, McPherson, Gilmore, 

1 "Recollections Grave and Gay," Mrs. Burton Harrison; P. 111. 



Some Fellow Cadets 31 

Stanley, A. McD. McCook, and others — all came in later years. 
In fact during the four years of Alexander Hays' term there 
was a galaxy of brilliant names unprecedented in the preced- 
ing years, and not recurring again in so great numbers. In 
1848, among the graduates, the plebes who entered the 
day Alexander Hays went out, only one name appeals, John 
Buford, whose cavalry fired the first shots at Gettysburg. 

There were other prominent Civil War generals, gradu- 
ates of West Point, but previous to 1840, with whom 
Alexander Hays was associated in his military career. First 
to mention is Samuel P. Heintzelman, class of 1826, with 
whose battalion Alexander Hays went up to the City of 
Mexico, and who served also in two corps commanded by 
Heintzelman in the Civil War, the Third and the Twenty- 
second, in the latter commanding a brigade in the division of 
General Silas Casey, also of the class of 1826. This was Alex- 
ander Hays' first general command. 

Henry W. Halleck's graduation preceded Alexander Hays' 
entrance to the Academy one year, Irwin McDowell's two, 
and Joseph Hooker's three ; McDowell and Hooker had been 
adjutants at the Academy when Alexander Hays was there. 
Hooker preceding. It is interesting to note here that Alex- 
ander Hays served but three days in the Army of the Potomac 
while Hooker was in command. Meade's service with Hays 
has been mentioned. In the same class as Meade was Marsena 
R. Patrick, provost marshal general of the Army of the 
Potomac during General Hays' latter years in that army. 

Students of our Civil War history will find much thought 
in the perusal of the class rolls appended. The associations 
that are indicated are in themselves history.^ 

The old mess hall of Alexander Hays' days, erected in 
1815 was demolished in 1852. With the chapel, academy build- 
ing, observatory and library, it is described and pictured by 
Capt. Boynton in his history of the Academy. Therein will 
also be found full accounts of Superintendents Delafield and 
Brewerton's incumbencies, a description of the Kosciusko 
Monument, reference to the entrance examinations, cadet life 
and the cadet battalion. ^ 

1 Appendix C. 

2 Vide "History of West Point," PP. 256, 259; 225 and 257; 
287; 266, 267; 304, 305; and 269. Ben Perley Moore, referred to on 
page 11, footnote, quotes Boynton on cadet life almost verbatim. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE WEST POINT (^.ASS OF 184 4 

THIS class was graduated July ist and twenty-five 
cadets were promoted to the United States army as 
brevet second lieutenants in the various branches of 
the service. Alexander Hays was No. 20 in the class; the 
illustrious Hancock but two numbers above him. The great 
commander, Ulysses S. Grant, was No. 21 in the class of '43, 
so that between these "comrades," Grant and Hays, honors 
are easy and Hancock is almost with them. The full roster 
of the class (standing in the order named), is as FdIIows: 

ROSTER 

1. William G. Peck, appointed from Connecticut. 

2. Joseph H. Whittlesey, appointed from New York. 

3. Samuel Gill, appointed from Kentucky. 

4. Daniel M. Frost, appointed from New York. 

5. Asher R. Eddy, appointed from Rhode Island. 

6. Francis J. Thomas, appointed from Maryland. 

7. Alfred Pleasanton, appointed from District of C'olumbia. 

8. Thomas J. Curd, appointed from Kentucky. 

9. Augustus Cook, appointed from Kentucky. 

10. John Y. Bicknell, appointed from Tennessee. 

11. Simon B. Buckner, appointed from Kentucky. 

12. John Trevitt, appointed from Ohio. 

13. Rankin Dilworth, appointed from Ohio. 

14. Erastus B. Strong, appointed from Arkansas. 

15. William T. Burwell, appointed from Virginia. 

16. W'illiam Read, appointed from Delaware. 

17. Joseph S. Woods, appointed from Pennsylvania. 

18. Winfield .S. Hancock, appointed from Pennsylvania. 

19. James M. Henry, appointed from District of Columbia. 

20. Alexander Hays, appointed from Pennsylvania. 

21. George Wainwright, appointed from Massachusetts. 

22. Henry B. Schroeder. appointed from Maryland. 

23. Joseph P. Smith, appointed from New Hampshire. 

24. John J. C. Bibb, appointed at large. ^ 

25. George W. Hawkins, appointed from North Carolina 

1 ("ladet Bibb was a Kentuckian. 

32 



The West Point Class of 1844 33 

A brief military and civil history of each of Alexander 
Hays' classmates seems naturally in place. 

William G. Peck's name has a most familiar ring when 
memories of Peck's mathematical series come trooping up and 
many who now read of him will recall Peck's "Ganot's 
Physics" and his other works of brainracking character. 

After graduation, Lieut. Peck entered the Topographical 
Engineers Corps, took part in Fremont's third exploring expe- 
dition through the Rocky Mountains in 1845 ; served as 
professor of natural and experimental philosophy at \\^est 
Point the next year ; served next in the war with Mexico at- 
tached to the "Army of the West" under General Stephen W. 
Kearney. In 1847 ^^ came again to the Academy as first 
assistant professor of mathematics for three years, and then 
1851-1855, principal assistant professor of mathematics. Pro- 
fessor Peck resigned in 1855, and though elected professor of 
mathematics and engineering in Kenyon College, he declined, 
but took the chair of physics and civil engineering at the 
University of Michigan, where he remained two years. He 
became adjunct professor of mathematics in Columbia College, 
and later, professor of mathematics and astronomy, and re- 
mained for many years. The degrees of A. M. and LL. D. were 
conferred on Lieut. Peck by Trinity College. To have been 
a classmate of Dr. William G. Peck was in itself no small 
honor. Dr. Peck was a native of Connecticut. 

Joseph II. Whittlesey, No. 2, a New Yorker, entered the 
Second Dragoons July i, 1844, as brevet second lieutenant; 
took part in the Military Occupation of Texas ; served on 
frontier duty with the First Dragoons and through the 
Mexican War; was brevetted first lieutenant for gallantry at 
Buena Vista and after the war saw severe and fatiguing 
service in what is now Arizona and New Mexico, becoming a 
captain in 1854, and in November, 1861, we find him major 
of the Fifth Cavalry at Fort Dalles, Ore. He served through 
the "War of the Rebellion" with the Army of the Potomac 
on the Peninsula; then at W'inchester, Va., where he was 
made a prisoner of war and on exchange, was on detail duty 
organizing volunteers at Harrisburg, Pa., Concord, N. H., and 
Madison, Wis. He was retired from active service November 
30, 1863, for disability resulting from long and faithful service 
and from disease and exposure in the line of duty. After the 
war, Major W'hittlesey was on recruiting service and was- 



34 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

active in establishing military instruction in several colleges. 
He died August i, 1886, at Seattle, Wash. 

Samuel Gill, No. 3. entered the Second Artillery on grad- 
uation, served in the Army of Occupation in Texas, and in the 
war with Mexico, participating in the battles of Monterey and 
Cerro Gordo, and also in the siege of Vera Cruz. He resigned 
May 29, 1847, as first lieutenant, Fourth Artillery. General 
Cullum says, during the Civil War, Gill was not prominent, 
but on the Union side, "served as member of the military 
board of his native state, Kentucky, for the organization of 
its quota of volunteers for the suppression of the rebellion." 
In the interval before the war he was engaged as a civil engi- 
neer of construction and superintendent of the Lexington and 
Frankfort Railroad. He died January 18, 1876, at Cincin- 
nati, O. 

Daniel M. Frost, No. 4, entered the First Artillery ; was 
engaged in Mexico, having been transferred to the Mounted 
Rifles ; was at Vera Cruz and in action at Cerro Gordo and 
Churubusco; served with his regiment through the vicissi- 
tudes of border service until 1853, when he resigned with the 
rank of first lieutenant, having previously been promoted for 
"gallant and meritorious conduct at Cerro Gordo." He became 
a planter and manufacturer near St. Louis and although a 
New Yorker by birth and appointed from that state, his 
record as far as West Point goes, closes with the once omin- 
ous words — "joined in the rebellion of 1861-1866 against the 
LInited States. He attained some mention in May, 1861, 
while in command of Governor Jackson's state troops in St. 
Louis, which were captured by General Lyon. 

Asher R. Eddy, No. 5, of Rhode Island, was a comrade 
of his classmate Frost in the First Artillery during his first 
service but did not get into the Mexican War as during the 
four years, 1846-1850, Lieut. Eddy was assistant professor of 
mathematics at West Point. Before and during the Civil War 
he was on duty with the quartermaster's department in vari- 
ous parts of the field of active operations, winding up in 1865 
as principal depot quartermaster at Nashville, and then chief 
quartermaster of the Army of the Cumberland, attaining the 
rank of brevet colonel for faithful and meritorious services 
during the war, after which he remained with the regular 
army, his rank being major in the quartermaster's depart- 
ment in 1866. 



The West Point Class of 1844 35 

Francis J. Thomas, No. 6, a Virginian, lieutenant, first in 
the Third Artillery, then the Second, then back to the Third ; 
served in Mexico and was in action at Monterey and in the 
attack on San Antonio Garita of the City of Mexico ; and after 
the war saw hard service in New Mexico and in campaigns 
against the Apache Indians. Lieut. Thomas resigned in June, 
1852, and engaged in railroad construction. For two years, 
1855-1856, he was a resident of Allegheny County, Pennsyl- 
vania, as superintendent of the Montvue Mining & Manufac- 
turing Company. In this the record may be wrong, and refers 
likely to Allegany County, Maryland, for Lieut. Thomas is 
next at Clarksburg, W. Va., as superintendent of a coal works, 
and a merchant in Baltimore when the Civil War broke out, 
when he joined the forces of the South, and was killed at the 
first battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861, aged 37. 

Alfred Pleasanton, No. 7, born in and appointed from the 
District of Columbia, has been heard of more frequently than 
any member of the class unless it may have been Hancock, 
Buckner or Alexander Hays. Pleasanton entered the First 
Dragoons, was on the frontier and in the Military Occupa- 
tion of Texas, and served through the Mexican War. He 
was engaged at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma and was 
brevetted for gallant and meritorious conduct in those battles. 
He continued his services in the regular army in active duty 
on the plains and in various parts of the country, and at the 
outbreak of the great war, was a captain in the Second 
Cavalry. His record in that war would take a volume. At its 
close, Capt. Pleasanton was mustered out as major general 
of volunteers and had attained the brevet rank of major gen- 
eral, United States army. His life and services are w^ell 
known. He died in Washington, D. C, February 17, 1897. 

Thomas J. Curd, of Kentucky, No. 8, brevet second lieu- 
tenant, First Artillery, was w^ith the army in the Military 
Occupation of Texas and with the next higher rank, served 
in the Fourth Artillery. He distinguished himself in the war 
wnth Mexico, participating in the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca 
de la Palma and Monterey, and resigned in 1847 to become 
professor of mathematics in the College of the Holy Cross at 
Worcester, Mass., where he remained two years. Lieut. Curd 
is next a novitiate at St. Ignatius, Frederick, IMd., w^here he 
died February 12, 1850, aged 25. 



36 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Augustus Cook, a Kentuckian also, No. 9, has the shortest 
record of the class, so very brief indeed that it is startling, 
to-wit : "Brevet second lieutenant, Second Dragoons, July i, 
1844; on frontier duty at Fort Jessup, La., 1844-1845; and in 
the Military Occupation of Texas, 1845. Died November i, 
1845, ^t sea, aged 24." 

John Y. Bicknell, Xo. 10, a Tennessean, was in active 
service in Mexico with the Second Dragoons at the siege of 
Vera Cruz, at La Hoya. Contreras, Churubusco, Molino del 
Key, and in the operations before and at the capture of the 
City of Mexico. After the war, Lieut. Bicknell was for a 
year on frontier duty, and on the march through Texas and 
died at Maryville, Tenn., November 11, 1849, aged 28. 

Simon Bolivar Buckner, No. 11, was one of the most 
celebrated generals of the Confederacy. His first service was 
in the Second Infantry and then he was for a year professor 
of geography, history and ethics at West Point. He served 
through the war in Mexico; in the march through Coahuila, 
and with Scott's victorious column to the gates of the City 
of Mexico, and was in the assault there and entered the city 
with Scott's army at its capture. He was wounded at Churu- 
busco and was twice brevetted during the war for gallant 
conduct at Contreras, Churubusco and Molino del Rey. lie 
was quartermaster of the Sixth Infantry at the end of the 
war when he returned to West Point, this time as assistant 
instructor of infantry tactics for two years; then on frontier 
duty. He resigned after three years" service in the commis- 
sary in New York city, in March, 1855, as captain and located 
in Chicago where, in 1858, he recruited and was made colonel 
of the First Illinois Volunteers for service in Utah, but this 
regiment was not mustered into the service. Capt. Buckner 
then returned to his native state and was engaged in farming 
near Louisville when he joined the forces of the Confederacy, 
(ieneral Buckner became a lieutenant general in the Confed- 
erate service and served through the war. His name is 
indissolubly linked with that of IHysses S. Grant, his old 
chum at West Point, in the story of Fort Donelson where the 
star of Llysses S. Grant rose far enough above the horizon 
for the world to take note and ever keep in sight. General 
Buckner's career after the war is well known. Grant had a 
sincere regard, yea more, a strong friendship for Buckner. 
which was reciprocated, and the dying chief in 1885 selected 



The West Point Class of 1844 37 

his old antagonist as one of his pallbearers in which capacity 
General Buckner acted. Two years later General Buckner 
was elected governor of Kentucky and served as such two 
terms, 1887- 189 1. His personal relations with Alexander Hays 
were close and each held the other in highest esteem. Their 
friendship was as strong as Grant and Longstreet's and Grant 
and Buckner's. General Buckner died in the home in which 
he was born near Munfordville, Ky., January 8, 1914. He 
was born April i, 1823. He was four years the junior of 
Alexander Hays. 

John Trevitt, of Ohio, was No. 12 in 1844. He, too, was 
in the Second Infantry for first service; was in the war with 
Mexico at Monterey but not in active field operations there- 
after during the war, but afterward saw long and arduous 
service in Texas and New Mexico until 1861 when he resigned 
and located at Mt. Vernon, N. H., his boyhood home, and 
there following the occupation of a farmer, did not enter the 
armies of the United States again in any capacity. 

Rankin Dilworth, No. 13, also an Ohioan. was slain in 
Mexico. His military career is told by Cullum in seven lines — 
"Brevet second lieutenant. First Infantry, 1844; served in 
garrison Fort Atkinson, Iowa, 1845-1846; Jefferson Barracks. 
Mo., 1846, and in the war with Mexico, being engaged in the 
battle of Monterey as second lieutenant. First Infantry, Sep- 
tember 21, 1846, where he was mortally wounded by a twelve 
pounder cannon ball while storming the enemy's entrench- 
ments and died of wounds September 22, 1846, aged 24." 

Erastus B. Strong, No. 14, has almost a similar record. 
He was a native of Arkansas ; appointed from that state. His 
first service was in the Seventh Infantry and he took part next 
in the Occupation of Texas in the defense of Fort Brown, 
in the battle of Monterey, was present at the siege of Vera 
Cruz, was promoted to second lieutenant May 18, 1846, in 
the Fifth Infantry ; was at the capture of San Antonio, in 
the battles of Churubusco and Molino del Re}' ; "where while 
rallying his men to make another charge upon the enemy's 
entrenchments, which he had approached within a few yards, 
he was killed September 8, 1847, aged 24." 

William T. Burwell, No. 15, a Virginian, fell on the same 
day as his classmate and friend, Strong, and in the same battle 
a second lieutenant in the Sixth Infantry. He was in action 
previously at Cerro Gordo, and through the succeeding battles 



38 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

to his death. His age was 27 and his record closes thus : 
"After being wounded and still fighting gloriously on the 
battlefield he was, by the enemy, within a few yards of the 
entrenchments of Casa Alata, bayonetted to death September 
8, 1847." 

William Read, of Delaware, No. 16, first saw actual 
service in the field with the Sixth Infantry with his slain 
classmate Burwell. After a brief frontier service, Lieut. Read 
was in active service in the Mexican war, on the march 
through Coahuila and at the siege of Vera Cruz, and on the 
Orizaba expedition in 1848, and after two years frontier serv- 
ice, resigned in 1850 and became a professor in the Kentucky 
Military Institute at Frankfort for two years, and then 
entered the Patent Office at Washington where he remained 
eight years. In 1861 he became a farmer in Montgomery 
County, }vlaryland, just outside of the Capitol, and had no 
Civil War record. He died April 29, 1884, at Washington. 

James S. Woods, a Pennsylvanian, No. 17, was another 
hero of the war with ^Mexico having been killed outright at 
Monterey. He was a second lieutenant, first in the Fourth 
Infantry at Natchitoches, Camp Salubrity, La., 1844-1845 with 
his classmate. Brevet 2nd Lieut. Alexander Hays, and his 
Academy mate, Ulysses S. Grant, of the same rank. Lieut. 
Woods served during the Military Occupation of Texas and 
was first engaged at Palo Alto as second lieutenant in the 
Second Infantry, then at Resaca de la Palma, having been 
brevetted for gallant conduct in those battles, and then came 
Alonterey, where he went down to a soldier's death in storm- 
ing the enemy's entrenchments, September 21, 1846, the same 
day that his classmate Dilworth, in the same assault, was 
almost torn apart by a huge missile of the enemy. Lieut. 
Woods was but 22, perishing in the glory of the sunlight of 
victory and at the dawn of a noble manhood. 

Winfield S. Hancock, of Pennsylvania, No. 18, was a 
brevet second lieutenant, July i, 1844, Sixth Infantry, with 
his classmates Read and Burwell, and a major general, LTnited 
States army, July 26, 1866. General Hancock served on fron- 
tier service as heretofore indicated with all young officers, 
and through the war with Mexico to the gates of the city and 
within its walls. His biography is known to the world, and 
his relations with Alexander Hays will appear as they occur 



The West Point Class of 1844 39 

in the history of the latter. General Hancock died February 
9, i886, at Governor's Island, N. Y. 

James M. Lake Henry of Kentucky graduated as James 
M. Henry, No. 19. He first was in the Seventh Infantry, 
then a second lieutenant in the Second Infantry; he took 
part in the Military Occupation of Texas, was in active 
service at Fort Brown, and then on recruiting service, later 
being transferred to the Fourth Infantry, after the war. He 
resigned from the army at Fort Columbus, N. Y., in 1852 and 
entered the Patent Office in the same year, where he remained 
as an examiner and principal examiner until 1861, when he 
retired to a farm in Prince George County, Maryland, and had 
no Civil War record. He died July 4, 1881, at Washington. 
Alexander Hays, No. 20, was followed by George Wain- 
wright of Massachusetts, whose army career was cut short 
by death, August 2, 1848, at Brooklyn, N. Y., in his 28th year. 
He served first in the Eighth Infantry, was in Texas during 
the Occupation; became a full rank second lieutenant June 
18, 1846, after Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, in both of 
which he participated ; then Monterey where he was severely 
wounded. He was present at the siege of Vera Cruz; in 
action at Cerro Gordo, San Antonio, Churubusco, and Molino 
del Rey, where he was severely wounded, and then placed on 
recruiting service, and death came, though not distinctly 
stated, but most probably as a result of his wounds. 

Henry B. Schroeder, No. 22, was a Marylander, entering 
the Third Infantry at graduation. In service in Louisiana, 
as was Alexander Hays, in the Military Occupation of Texas 
in like manner. In Mexico, where he participated with great 
gallantry at Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Oka Laka, Con- 
treras, Churubusco, and after the war at various places on 
the frontier, resigning in 1861 when a captain in the Third 
Infantry since 1857, and became a farmer in Frederick County, 
Maryland, and had no Civil War record. 

Joseph P. Smith, of New Hampshire, No. 23, went into 
the Fifth Infantry July i, 1844; was first on duty in Michigan, 
then in Texas during the Military Occupation. He partici- 
pated in the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, 
Monterey, the siege of Vera Cruz, capture of San Antonio, 
the battles of Churubusco, Molino del Rey, and at the storm- 
ing of Chapultepec he fell — "when near the ditch, having gone 
back a pace or two to get a ladder, he was struck by a fatal 
shot, September 13, 1847, aged 28." 



40 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

John J. C. Bibb, a Kentuckian, No. 24, went into the 
Third Infantry with his classmate Schroeder and had the same 
service excepting that he participated in the battle of 
Monterey, and resigned December 31, 1846, and from 1849 
served as clerk in the office of the solicitor of the Treasury 
Department at Washington, and died in that city in Septem- 
ber, 1854, aged 33 years. 

George W. Hawkins, No. 25, a North Carolina man, was 
appointed to the First Infantry on graduation. Was on duty 
in the Northwest until the war with Mexico broke out when, 
with his regiment, then the Mounted Rifles, he entered upon 
active service in the field of operations ; was at the siege of 
Vera Cruz, thence on recruiting service, and after the war 
Lieut. Hawkins was in General Joseph Lane's escort to 
Oregon where Lane served as governor. Hawkins was dis- 
missed from service in 1853 under the law of January i, 1823, 
and became a farmer in Warren County, North Carolina, 
where he is supposed to have died the next year, aged 34. 

It is rather a remarkable fact that of this small class of 
25. five were from Kentucky, of whom three were dead when 
the Civil War came. It is also remarkable that the two sur- 
vivors divided in allegiance. 

The assignments of the class was one to the topographi- 
cal engineers, five to the artillery, four to the dragoons, 15 to 
the infantry. 

It will be seen that of the 24 who graduated with Alex- 
ander Hays, when the great war burst upon the nation, 12 
were dead, of whom Dilworth, Strong, Rurwell, W^oods and 
Smith died soldiers' deaths in Mexican battles, and W'ain- 
wright, as result of that war, and Curd, Cook, Bicknell and 
Bibb from natural causes. Five had resigned : Peck, Gill, 
Trevitt. Henry and Schroeder, who did not participate in the 
war between the states ; three. Frost, Thomas and Buckner, 
"Joined in the Rebellion," as Cullum curtly puts it, of whom 
Thomas was killed. Hawkins went down under a cloud and 
was also dead, leaving five of the class, Whittlesey, Eddy, 
Pleasanton, Hancock, and Alexander Hays, to battle for the 
old flag and win the laurels under its victorious folds, of whom 
the three latter certainly made history and across the pages 
of their martial records have long since been written words 
that forever shine — honor, devotion, loyalty, fame. 



CHAPTER V. 

LIEUT. ALEXANDER HAYS, U. S. A. 

UPON graduation July i, 1844, Alexander Hays was 
promoted, the records say, to the brevet rank of 
second lieutenant and assigned to the Fourth In- 
fantry, then on duty, since May of that year, at Camp Salu- 
brity, La., near the town of Natchitoches and he remained 
here in service with the regiment until the Occupation of 
Texas. The Fourth Infantry was commanded by Colonel J. 
H. Vose. whom Ulysses S. Grant describes as an old gentle- 
man who had not commanded on drill for a number of years, 
and who was not a man to discover infirmity in the presence 
of danger. When it appeared that a war was imminent, it 
naturally occurred to the old colonel that he must "brush 
up on his tactics." When the regiment was settled in its new 
barracks at New Orleans preparatory to sailing for Corpus 
Christi, Colonel Vose took command of the regiment at a 
battalion drill. When two or three evolutions had been 
gone through, he dismissed the battalion and turning to go 
to his own quarters, dropped dead. He had not been com- 
plaining in any way, and had undoubtedly died of heart dis- 
ease. General Grant further described him as a "most estim- 
able man, of exemplary habits, and by no means the author 
of his own disease;" and thus, before the Fourth Infantry 
had left for the seat of war, a tragedy had taken away its 
commander, Alexander Hays' first colonel. ^ 

Gradually the Army of Occupation assembled at 
Corpus Christi. and a small army indeed. Altogether it con- 
sisted of seven companies of the Second Dragoons, four com- 

1 Personal Memoirs, Vol. L; P. 60. Army of Occupation; vide 
Gen. Meade's Mexican War Letters, 1845-1847;" "Life and Letters," 
Vol. I.; P. 25, et seq. Vide "Lee and Longstreet at High Tide," 
Part in., "Longstreet on the Fields of Mexico;" P. 127, et seq. 

41 



42 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

panics or batteries of light artiller}^ five regiments of infantry, 
the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Seventh and Eighth, and one regi- 
ment of artillery acting as infantry, all regular soldiers, and 
in number about three thousand under command of General 
Zachary Taylor. The rank and file were composed of men 
who had enlisted in time of peace to serve for seven dollars 
a month. The officers, from the highest to the lowest, were 
educated in their profession, and were mostly graduates of 
the West Point Academy. General Grant says that a more 
efficient army for its numbers and armament never fought 
a battle, and he will be accepted as good authority. 

The story of Lieut. Alexander Hays' identity with the 
Fourth Infantry's service in these preliminary movements, 
and the battles on Texas soil, is most graphically told by 
General Grant in his memoirs. ^ 

General Grant was then a brevet second lieutenant in 
Capt. George A. INIcCall's company C, that sterling old regu- 
lar and gallant Pennsylvanian, endeared to memory as the 
first commander of the division of the Pennsylvania Reserves, 
with whom, in 1862, Alexander Hays, was to have contem- 
poraneous service on the Peninsula. Mention of Camp Salu- 
brity will be found also in General Longstreet's book,- and in 
the same chapter a rapid resume of General Taylor's prelim- 
inary movements and his two battles in Texas. General 
Longstreet was then a lieutenant in the Eighth Infantry, 
Company F, having previously served in the Fourth. 

El Palo Alto, "The Tall Trees," a point six or more 
miles from the besieged garrison at Fort Brown, now Browns- 
ville, Texas, was the place of Alexander Hays' first battle; 
Grant's likewise and Grant's story of this battle and that of 
Resaca de la Palma on the succeeding day are to be found 
in his memoirs. The artillery battalion was commanded 
by Lieut. -Colonel Thomas Childs, a West Pointer of the 
class of 1 814, who had served in the war with Great Britain 
that year and the next, and he is the same Childs who so 
bravely defended Puebla against the Mexicans under Gen- 
eral Rea during the long siege, until relieved by Lane's 
Brigade to which was attached Capt. S. P. Heintzelman's 

1 "Personal Memoirs," Chapters IV. to VII., inclusive. Vide also 
"Ulysses S. Grant, His Life and Character," Hamlin Garland; P 
64, et seq. 

2 "From Manassas to Appomattox," Chapter I. 



Lieut. Alexander Hays, U. S. A. 43 

battalion of regulars and Lieut. Alexander Hays returning 
to his new assignment with the Eighth Infantry. 

Upon the death of Colonel Vose, Colonel William \Vhist- 
ler took command of the Fourth Infantry, July 5, 1845. John 
Garland was lieutenant-colonel, W. H. Cobbs, major, and 
Henry Prince, adjutant. 

Alexander Hays was assigned to Company K, of which 
George W. Allen was then captain, John H. Gore, first lieu- 
tenant, and Henderson Ridgeley, second lieutenant.^ 

The colonel of the Eighth Infantry was William J. 
Worth, a veteran of 1812-1815, later commanding a division 
in Taylor's army, then Governor of Vera Cruz, and again 
with his division under General Winfield Scott on the march 
up to, and at the capture of the City of Alexico. Those were 
the days of long incumbencies, for Worth had been colonel 
of the Eighth since July 1838, and old Hugh Brady of the 
Second Infantry since 1812. 

Around the first service of Alexander Hays was thus 
thrown a halo of heroic deeds of days long since, and their 
inspiration was undoubtedly supreme. The war with Mexico 
was a little, and is now an almost forgotten war ; a few facts 
are told in the school histories, the main ones only, passing by 
the thrilling deeds of ideal and ever victorious American 
soldiers, both officers and men, who many times went up 
against seeming impossibilities, but hung on and won. It 
may be said they were fighting Mexicans, Spanish Americans,, 
nevertheless the casualty lists tell a tale of slaughter as well 
as heroism. 

' General Longstreet had prepared in the rough quite an 
elaborate history of the Mexican War, the publication of 
which was forestalled by the book of General Cadmus M. 
Wilcox, neither knowing of the other's work. In Mrs. Helen 
D. Longstreet's book entitled "Lee and Longstreet at High 
Tide," she has used many of the incidents and historical 

1 At the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca, Capt. Allen promoted 
major, Second Infantry, commanded the regiment. Cullum's Register 
gives Adjutant Prince commissioned as such, November 21. 1846, 
five months after Alexander Hays' transfer to the Eighth Infantry. 
However the names above were obtained from the War Department. 
Vide "An Account of the Organization of the Army of the United 
States," Fayette Robinson, Vol. II.; P. 36. Wilcox's roster of the 
army in Mexico gives Francis Lee, major Fourth Infantry, and Allen 
major of the Second Infantry, promoted from captain, Fourth In- 
fantry. "History Mexican War," Wilcox, Appendix C. 



44 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

data in the General's unpublished history of that war, under 
the sub-title "Longstreet on the Fields of Mexico." The 
general did not forget his former comrade Alexander Hays 

in his stor}-. He says: 

"In the I'ourth, among Longstreet's earlier official and 
social intimates at Jefferson Barracks and Camp Salubrity, 
were Capt. George A. McCall, Lieutenants Augur, Grant, 
Alexander Hays and David A. Russell, all afterwards dis- 
tinguished Union generals. Capt. McCall was then forty- 
three years old, was graduated from West Point in 1822, just 
twenty years ahead of Longstreet's class." ^ 

The other infantry regiments of General Taylor's army, 
the Third, Fifth and Seventh, were commanded by Colonels 
James B. Many, George M. Brooke and Matthew Arbuckle. 
As Colonels Arbuckle, Brooke and Worth commanded brig- 
ades at the time of the first battles in Mexico, the Fifth In- 
fantry was in command of Brevet Colonel Mcintosh, the 
Seventh. Lieut. -Colonel Joseph Plympton, and the Eighth by 
Brevet Colonel Belknap ; Lieut. -Colonel Garland was at times 
in command of the Fourth Infantry and later of a brigade. 

The colonel of the First Dragoons was the celebrated 
W illiam S. Harney, who died but a decade ago, aged eighty- 
nine years. Charles A. May, captain of the Second Dragoons, 
brevet major and lieutenant-colonel; Capt. Samuel Ringgold of 
the Second Artillery, killed at Palo Alto, and his kinsman, 
Lieut. Randolph Ridgeley who fell at Monterey, were all well 
known to the young lieutenant, Alexander Hays, in his first 
service, and were types of soldier that could elicit naught but 
admiration, and could not fail to arouse a spirit of fond 
emulation. 

The battle of Resaca de la Palma or the Ravine of the 
Palm Trees, was fought the day after Palo Alto, and its 
results are known, and the relief of Fort Brown also, too late 
to save its gallant commander. Major Jacob Brown, of the 
Seventh Infantry, who had been wounded and died on the 
morning of the 9th of May, the day of the battle of Resaca. 
There is another name for this celebrated ravine ; it is Resaca 
del Guerrero, "The Ravine of the Warrior," and it seems a 
most proper one in the light of history. 

It must be remembered that General Taylor's infantry 

1 "Lee and Longstreet at High Tide;" P. 129. 



Lieut. Alexander Hays, U. S. A. 45 

was armed with flint lock muskets, and paper cartridges were 
used, which were loaded with powder, buckshot and ball ; 
"Buck and ball" they were called. The first troops in the 
"War of the Rebellion" will have a vivid remembrance of 
"Altered Harper's Ferry muskets" that shot "buck and ball" 
in the proportion of three and one. These were close range 
guns, and to be effective, the whites of the enemy's eyes had 
to be not far away. The Mexican infantry were armed like- 
wise, but their artillery fired only solid shot. General Taylor 
had the advantage of artillery, having some twelve pound 
howitzers throwing shell, and some eighteen pounders that 
had a long range. 

It is not surprising that a soldier, destined as Alexander 
Hays was, should early receive mention, not only in the re- 
ports, but in history. Shortly after the close of hostilities in 
Mexico, the following was published, the facts being yet 
fresh in mind : ^ 

"When the Third and Fourth regiments charged the 
chapparal, they became of course scattered, and almost every 
officer was thrown on his own resources. Here Capt. 
Buchanan and his subaltern (Hays) distinguished themselves. 
At this point (across the ravine), Hays charged knee deep in 
water, and seized the mules of a gun the enemy were seeking 
to carry ofif, while another subaltern (W'oods), seized a hand- 
spike and gave, by main force, such a direction to the wheels 
that they became entangled in the trunk of a tree, so that 
the gun remained with the Fourth. The Mexican cavalry 
then charged these officers, when Barbour of the Third came 
to their rescue and charged the Mexican horse with the 
bayonet. 

"Capt. Buchanan, with what men he could rally of the 
Fourth, and Lieut. -Colonel Mcintosh, with the same of the 
Fifth, then charged the chapparal into which the Mexicans 
had been driven. Colonel Mcintosh's horse was shot and 
the colonel, before he could be extricated, received three 
fearful bavonet wounds and was borne, half dead, from the 
field.2 

"After May's charge, the two lines had become so in- 
volved that Lieut. Ridgeley's battery was forced to suspend 

1 "An Account of the Organization of the Armies of the United 
States, with biographies of officers of all grades, in two volumes, 
by Fayette Robinson, late an officer of the army." E. H. Butler & Co., 
Philadelphia, 1848. Vide Vol. II.; P. 43. 

2 Col. Mcintosh recovered. He was again wounded at Molino 
del Rey, and died of his wounds September 26, 1847. 



46 Life and Letters of General Alexander Havs 



its fire. Capt. Duncan now came up with his command, and 
with some of Capt. Charles F. Smith's light infantry, were 
thrown across the 'Resaca.' Capt. Ker's dragoons also came 
up, and just as the infantry above had passed the chapparal 
and JMcIntosh was wounded, the battle became a pursuit and 
Lieuts. Woods, Hays, Cochrane and Augur,^ with a few men 
of each regiment engaged, found themselves unexpectedly at 
the headquarters of General Arista, the Mexican commander, 
and these officers and men took possession. A iSIexican officer, 
having reconnoitered, charged this little band at the head of 
a body of lancers. They were given a volley, but still came 
on. The Americans took refuge in the thicket. Lieut. Coch- 
rane remaining alone in the pathway through which the enemy 
came. He fell dead, pierced with seven lance thrusts. The 
enemy were gradually driven from the few isolated positions 
they endeavored to maintain, and their route became com- 
plete." 

In an earlier book, Lieut. Alexander Hays and his class- 
mate. Woods, received full credit for their daring, thus : 

"At Resaca de la Palma, Lieut. John A. Richey,- who in 
a subsequent service fell a sacrifice, took part in a daring ad- 
venture, which he thus described in a letter: 'A short time 
after the battle began, several of us became separated in the 
brush, and started forward, with the few men we could collect 
at the moment, to take a battery of the Mexicans that was 
blazing upon us. We dashed forward into the ravine, across 
the stream which ran through it, and clambering up the op- 
posite bank, rushed across the openings of the chapparal 
towards the battery. \Vhile passing through, I got separated 
for about ten minutes from Lieuts. Woods and Hays; when 
I rejoined them, they had captured the cannon ; they had 
dashed onward upon the enemy attended by only one man. 
The cannoneers immediately turned and fled. Before doing 
so they had set fire to the priming-tube, the gun being loaded. 
The match was about to ignite the powder when Lieut. Woods 
knocked the priming ofiF with his sword. In the meantime 
some Mexicans ran to the mules attached to the piece by a 
long pole, and endeavored to drag it oflf. Hays, perceiving 
their intention, sprang forward and snapped his pistol at them. 
At the same moment Woods caught hold of the driving reins. 
By this time our party was reinforced, and moved forward 
along the road, firing all the time and driving the enemy be- 
fore us. We proceeded in this way with about 20 men. 

1 All of the Fourth Infantry. 

2 2nd Lieut. John A. Richey, Fifth Infantry, after serving gal- 
lantly at Monterey, was killed by the Mexicans while bearing dis- 
patches at Villa Gran, January 13, 1847. He was a graduate of 
West Point, class of 18 45, and served a year with Alexander Hays 
in the Fourth Infantry. 



Lieut. Alexander Hays, U. S. A. 47 

Woods now separated from us, and we were joined by Lieuts. 
Augur and Cochrane of the Fourth. Our little party was 
composed of men belonging to every regiment in the army. 
We advanced a great distance in front of the main body and 
were surrounded on all sides by the Mexicans.' 

"Capt. Barbour soon joined this bold party. It was on 
this occasion that Lieut. Cochrane fell, when immediately 
afterwards it was charged by the lancers. Corporal Chisholm 
shot the colonel who led the charge. As the officer fell, the 
corporal was seen to hand him his canteen of water — and but 
a moment afterwards, Chisholm himself was lying dead." ^ 

Of the above subalterns, that is lieutenants, Woods was 
James S. Woods, a classmate of Alexander Hays, but four 
numbers ahead of him, and these comrades had been together 
since graduation. Woods was, like Hays, a Pennsylvanian, 
and was brevetted first lieutenant for gallant conduct in the 
battles of Palo Alto and Resaca. This gallant youth fell at 
the storming of the enemy's entrenchments at Monterey on 
September 21, 1846, at the early age of 22.^ Lieut. C. C. Augur, 
classmate of Ulysses S. Grant, became Major-General Chris- 
topher C. Augur during the Civil War. He was then a second 
lieutenant in the Fourth Infantry. 

Fifth Corps men of the Army of the Potomac will at once 
say that Capt. Buchanan, commanding a company in the 
Fourth Infantry was the veteran and rugged Colonel Robert 
C. Buchanan commanding a brigade of the division of regulars 
in the Fifth Corps during the war 1861-1865 on the Peninsula 
and up to and after Fredericksburg. General Buchanan was 
lieutenant-colonel of the Fourth Infantry in 1861, and had 
attained the rank of brevet major-general, United States army, 
v,'hen the war closed. His real rank was colonel in command 
of the First Infantry. He was a graduate of West Point, 
class of 1830. 

In his official report General Taylor refers to the episode 
as follows : 



1 "A Life of General Zachary Taylor, etc.," by J. Reese Fry, 
Philadelphia, 1847; P. 155. 

- "In the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Lieut. 
Hays captured, in connection with Lieut. Woods, likewise a Pennsyl- 
vanian, the first gun wrested from the enemy. In this engagement 
he received a wound in the leg, and in recognition of his gallantry 
in these actions, he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant." 
Vide also "Under the Red Patch," P. 436, "Great Commanders; 
General Taylor," by General O. O. Howard; P. 121. Evidently a re- 
print from Fry's "Life of Taylor." 



48 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"The light companies of the Inrst Brigade, and the Third 
and Fourth regiments of infantry, had been deployed on the 
right of the road where, at various points, they became briskly 
engaged with the enemy. A small party under Capt. 
Buchanan and Lieuts. Woods and Hays, Fourth Infantry, 
composed chiefly of men of that regiment, drove the enemy 
from a breastwork which he occupied, and captured a piece of 
artillery. An attempt to recapture this piece was repelled by 
Capt. Barbour, Third Infantry. The enemy was at last com- 
pletely driven from his position on the right of the road, and 
retreated precipitately, leaving baggage of every description. 
The Fourth Infantry took possession of a camp where the 
headquarters of the Mexican general-in-chief were established. 
All his official correspondence was captured at this place." ^ 

Lieut. Alexander Hays was destined to meet distinguished 
soldiers in Mexico, among them Capt. Samuel H. Walker, 
associated with him in a memorable event. Of Walker, more 
anon.^ 

On the i8th of May, 1846, (ieneral Taylor's little army 
crossed the Rio Grande and Lieut. Alexander Hays was the 
first across. Early in the morning the east bank was defended 
by two eighteen-pounders, and three batteries of artillery, and 
the crossing commenced under their protection. Colonel 
Twiggs ordered the bands to strike up "Yankee Doodle," and 
with these cheering strains the light companies went over first, 
followed by the volunteer and the regular infantry. 

"Lieut. Hays, of the Fourth Infantry, and ten select men, 
with Capt. Walker of the rangers, first crossed the river, with 
orders to ascertain and report the number and position of the 
enemy, if near the river. Immediately after Lieut. Hays had 
crossed, the Hank comj^anies of the Third, Fourth and iMfth 
Infantry were thrown across, commanded by Capts. Buchanan 
and Larnard. After these commands, Capt. Smith, of the 
artillery battalion crossed with two companies, followed by 
Capt. Ker's squadron of dragoons. After these, Ridgeley's 
artillery was dismounted and taken o\er in parts. In the 
meantime the infantry already over had advanced and occu- 
])ied the hedge fence covering the crossing. After occupying 
this position some hours a civil deputation from Matamoras 
presented itself, and requested to see General Taylor. The 
deputation was sent over the river in charge of an officer, to 

1 Fry's "Life of General Taylor;" P. 144. Battles of Palo Alto 
and Resaca; General Meade's account is pertinent here. Vide his 
"Life and Letters," Vol. L; Page 78, 79, et seq. 

2 Concerning Walker, vide Meade's "Life and Letters," Vol. I; 
P. 75. Also vide "Life of General Taylor," J. Reese Fry; P. 147. 



Lieut. Alexander Hays, U. S. A. 49 

meet the general who had not yet crossed. The object of 
the deputation was to inform General Taylor of the abandon- 
ment of Matamoras by the Mexicans under Arista and to 
inquire what treatment the city might expect from him. 
General Taylor finding this report true, ordered that portion 
of the American forces that had not crossed, to return to Fort 
Brown and cross there." ^ 

Matamoras was surrendered by the civil authorities and 
a small guard of American soldiers was established to keep 
the peace. 

Once across the Rio Grande, Taylor's army was in truth 
the "Army of Occupation," and in this most momentous step 
Lieut. Alexander Hays was conspicuous. But a single inci- 
dent marred the events of that historic day. 2nd Lieut. 
George Stevens, of the Second Dragoons, of the West Point 
Class of 1843, Alexander Hays' Academy mate for three years, 
was swept from his horse by the rapid current while crossing 
and drowned. Lieut. Stevens, who was from Vermont, was a 
young officer of high promise. He had been on duty at 
Fort Jessup, in the Military Occupation of Texas, and in 
all the service identical with Alexander Hays'. Lieut. Stevens 
was No. 18 in his class, three numbers ahead of Ulysses S. 
Grant. 

Lieut, Alexander Hays remained on duty with his com- 
pany for nearly two weeks after the battle of Resaca up to 
the time of the crossing of the Rio Grande.^ It will be noticed 
that Alexander Hays had plenty of good fighting company 
in Mexico, but he did not escape unscathed. Wounded in the 
leg at Resaca and having been thus unfitted for duty, he was 
sent on recruiting service and was in charge of recruiting offices 
in Buffalo, N. Y., and in various points in Western Pennsyl- 
vania, and very successful in this duty, returned to the army 
with a battalion of 200 men, and arrived in Vera Cruz just 
about the time Brigadier-General Joseph Lane was to start 
for the City of Mexico, and that general, appreciating an 
officer who would enter into any martial movement with heart 

1 Fry's "Life of Taylor;" P. 169. 

2 Consult "History of the Mexican "War," Wilcox; for maps, 
details and movements of Taylor's army, consult Chapter IV.; P. 44, 
et seq. Also "History of Mexico," H. H. Bancroft, Vol. V., PP. 351- 
354; for campaigns on the Rio Grande, Matamoras and Point Isabel, 
and maps, see a recent work, "The United States and Mexico," Geo. 
L. Rives (1913); P. 150. 



50 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

and soul, appointed him assistant adjutant general of the 
brigade. Lieut. Alexander Hays had been appointed a full 
second lieutenant from June i8, 1846, and had been transferred 
to the Eighth Infantry, then with General Worth's division 
in the advance under Scott, and Hays had also been brevetted 
a first lieutenant for gallant conduct in the battles of Palo 
Alto and Resaca de la Palma. 

Joseph Lane is a name famous in American history. Sol- 
dier and pioneer, statesman and candidate for vice president 
in i860 with John C. Breckenridge, Lane's was a name very 
common in the papers of that day. He was a man of rugged 
mould and a fighter. He was not a West Pointer' but one 
of the political generals, or such appointed from civil life. 
Among others were Robert Patterson, John A. Quitman, 
Gideon J. Pillow, James Shields, Franklin Pierce, Caleb Gush- 
ing, and William O. Butler (a candidate for vice president in 
1848 with Gass against Taylor and Fillmore), all of whom 
acquitted themselves well.- 

On the i6th of June, 1846, the Pittsburgh papers printed 
the of^cial report of General Taylor, giving the story of the 
two battles on the Rio Grande and the news chroniclers state 
that Pittsburgh simply went wild. There also appeared the 
following news item under date of June 27th : 

ARRIVALS FROM THE SEAT OF WAR 

"Twelve ol^cers of the regular army, all of whom had 
taken part in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, 
eight of whom were more or less seriously wounded, arrived 
here by boat from New Orleans, bound for Washington. The 
party was made up as follows: Gapt. Governour Morris, 
I-'ourth Infantry; Gapt. W. R. Montgomery, Eighth Infantry; 
1st Lieut. Randolph B. Marcy, Fifth Infantry; ist Lieut. 
Daniel Ruggles, Fifth Infantry; ist Lieut. Isaac V. D. Reeve, 
Eighth Infantry; 1st Lieut. Collinson R. Gates, Eighth In- 
fantry; 1st Lieut. Robert P. Maclay, Eighth Infantry; ist 
Lieut. J. G. Burbank, Eighth Infantry'; ist Lieut. John Breeds- 
ley, First Infantry; ist Lieut. Gharles F. Morris, Eighth In- 
fantry; 2nd Lieut. Gharles D. Jordan, Eighth Infantry, and 
Lieut. Alexander Hays, Fourth Infantry. 

J Joseph Lane — Vide Wilcox's estimate of liim. "General Lane, 
plain in appearance and manner, but full of energy and courage, 
unquestioned integrity and kind hearted, generous and chivalric, 
etc." "History of the Mexican War," Wilcox; P. 527. 

2 "History of the Mexican War," Wilcox, Appendix D. ; P. 653. 




Brevet Second Lieutenants Ulysses S. Grant and Alexander Hays, 

4th Infantry at Camp Salubrity, Louisiana, 1845. 

(From an old Daguerreotype) 



Lieut. Alexander Hays, U. S. A. 51 

"Maclay, Burbank and Charles F. Morris died of wounds 
received in these eng^agements. 

"While here, the returning heroes were tendered a re- 
ception and banquet by citizens, but were obliged to decline 
the invitation for want of time." 

Lieut. Morris of the West Point class of 1841, died in the 
City of Mexico, September 17, 1847, from wounds received at 
Molino del Rey and his classmate, Burbank, wounded in the 
same battle, died September 10th, two days after the battle. 
Both belonged to the Eighth Infantry, Alexander Hays' new 
assignment, and both had served with the regiment at Palo 
Alto and Resaca, where both had been wounded. 

Lieut. Robert P. Maclay of the class of 1840, did not die of 
his wounds received at Resaca. He was on sick leave and 
recruiting service during most of the war. He, too, belonged 
to the Eighth Infantry and became a captain. A native of 
Pennsylvania, and appointed from Pennsylvania, a classmate 
of Sherman, Thomas, and George W. Getty, he remained in 
the regular service until i860, when he resigned and became a 
planter in Louisiana and when the war came, with his class- 
mates and comrades in Mexico, Richard S. Ewell, and Bush- 
rod R. Johnston, he joined the forces of the Confederacy and 
became a brigadier-general. 

Of the" other ofificers who journeyed with Alexander Hays 
from the seat of war, none attained any great prominency 
except General Randolph B. Marcy, father-in-law of George 
B. McClellan, whose long services and writings are widely 
known. Ruggles of Massachusetts went with the South ; 
Jordan broke down in the service of the Union in 1863, and 
retired ; Montgomery of the class of 1825 at West Point, in 
command of the Eighth Infantry in the two battles, who had 
been dismissed in 1855, became colonel of the ist New 
Jersey Infantry and later brigadier-general of volunteers, and 
served three years without field service. Gates, of the class 
of 1836, returned to the army, served most gallantly through 
the Mexican service with his regiment, and died at its close. 

Reeve returned to Pittsburgh, October 13, 1864, and re- 
mained over a year in charge of the Draft Rendezvous. He 
was then colonel of the Thirteenth Infantry, William T. Sher- 
man's old regiment. Colonel Reeve was a captain in 1847 in 
the Eighth, and thus a superior of Lieut. Alexander Hays. 
Capt. Morris was not an Academy man. Colonel Reeve was 



52 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

one of the victims of General Twigg's treachery in Texas in 
1861, Reeve at the time major of the First Infantry. All these 
visitors to Pittsburgh in 1846 and fellow voyagers with Alex- 
ander Hays, on the long trip from Mexico, were typical 
officers of the old army. 

The name "Breedsley" should be Beardsley, of the West 
Point class of 1841, who came back on recruiting service. 
Upon his return he was severely wounded and disabled at 
Molino del Rey. Beardsley was colonel of the Ninth New 
York Cavalry during the Civil War. He was Alexander 
Hays' immediate superior in Company F, of the Eighth In- 
fantry. Beardsley resigned from the regular service Decem- 
ber 31, 1853, and re-entered the army as colonel of Volun- 
teers in November 1861, and resigned April 8, 1863. His 
subsequent history is unknown.^ 

The date of transfer of Alexander Hays to the Eighth 
Infantry is June 18, 1846. He was then enroute to Pitts- 
burgh. The Eighth was commanded by Colonel William J. 
Worth, with Thomas Staniford, lieutenant-colonel, and Carlos 
A. Waite, major, John D. Clark, West Point class 1842, was 
adjutant to May 20, 1847, succeeded by James Longstreet 
from June 8, 1847 to July 1849. Alexander Hays was assigned 
to Company F, of which Thomas P. Gwynne was captain to 
February 16, 1847, succeeded by George Lincoln. ^ 

Alexander Hays and Longstreet had been associated in 
both regiments. Like Longstreet, Hays was promoted and 
transferred from the Fourth to the Eighth, though upward of 
a year subsequently. Grant never left the Fourth until he 
resigned as captain, about seven years after the Mexican War. 
Hays and Grant had been friends at West Point, though not 
classmates, and very chummy afterwards while subalterns in 
the old Fourth Infantry. The official personnel of General 
Taylor's army, scant three thousand men, was so small that 
it was like a family. Everybody knew everybody else.^ 

1 Cullum's Register, Vol. II.; P. 29. 

2 Roster of the field and company ofllcers of the Fourth and 
Eighth United States infantry. Vide Appendix E. 

3 Vide "Lee and Longstreet at High Tide," Part III.; "Long- 
street on the Fields of Mexico;" P. 130. 



CHAPTER VI. 

ALEXANDER HAYS' OWN STORY OP FIRST SERVICE AND 
SOME LETTERS. 

TO CONVEY a correct and a concise idea of the life of 
a soldier during a period immediately preceding and 
the eventful campaigns of the war with Mexico, the 
following able paper prepared and completed by General Alex- 
ander Hays in 1861 is quoted verbatim from the original 
manuscript, and is now for the first time published. 

It is graphic and thrilling, and conveys a good idea of 
Alexander Hays' literary style. It was written presumably 
for some magazine. 

THE ARMY OF OBSERVATION, OCCUPATION, AND INVASION. 

The old soldier will tell you, that the most irksome 
periods of his service, are the days of garrison duty, a monoto- 
nous round of parades, and drills, fife playing, and stacking. 
All alert, for the faintest rumor of an order to march, he 
engages a willing auditory around the mess table (although 
his character for truth and veracity on other subjects, be 
none of the best), who can announce a rumor of expected 
orders, to where, no one cares to inquire? But when such an 
order is officially announced, satisfaction beams in every face, 
and the barrack becomes a human bee-hive, on the point of 
swarming. A soldier's trunk is readily packed. He chafes to 
hear the fife and drum strike up "The Girl I Left Behind Me," 
and, with a buoyant heart, and a quick step, he goes forth 
to find a new home, and new excitement, leaving all care, if 
he have any, to moulder in the straw of his deserted bunk. 

Years of diplomacy have failed to secure to our people 
redress of grievances, for wrongs unnumbered, and running 
far back into the lapse of time. It was in the Spring of A. D., 
1844, that an intimation was given to our neighbors of the 

53 



54 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"Sunny South" that forbearance had been blotted out from 
the catalogue of our national virtues, and to carry conviction 
M'ith the fiat, several regiments were ordered to our southern 
frontier, constituting our "Army of Observation." 

Our military service was then at the lowest ebb of popular 
favor, for former services had been forgotten, and congres- 
sional demagogues had lately thundered forth to the nation 
their ignorance of "epauletted loafers." Time has defiantly 
hurled in their teeth the wilful and malignant aspersions of 
as noble a band of men as ever trod the earth. May God, in 
His mercy, have accorded equal forgiveness to the honored 
dead and the traducers of their fame. 

Never, perhaps, since its organization, had our army at- 
tained such efficiency in everything that is essential to make 
an army irresistible, l^eace, as a general rule, is not conducive 
to perfection in military art, but our army has never been 
suffered to spend time in listless inactivity. A very extended 
frontier, and constantly recurring subjects for adjustment 
among our Indian tribes, keep up, at least the "mimicry of 
war," and entails upon the soldier his supreme disgust, inces- 
sant marching. Garrison life is equally exacting upon his 
time, with repetition drills, which insure for him effective 
use of his arms, and from these there is no appeal. 

Notwithstanding a protracted peace, at the date referred 
to, numerous files in the ranks bore the chevron of service, 
the badge of honor, distinguishing "the old soldier," and the 
lounger around the camp fire would be entertained with thrill- 
ing recitals of the "Black Hawk War," or of scouts in the 
Everglades of Florida, perhaps — but rarely, with a legend of 
1812. The majority of the rank and file, however, had been 
manufactured to order, from raw material, imported (duty 
free) and entirely innocent of the killing properties of gun- 
powder. Chrysales became full-fledged butterflies not unfre- 
quently. With these, the military bearing, and manly salute, 
marked to the practiced eye the trained and disciplined soldier 
of fortune from the armies of the old world, exiles from their 
native land voluntarily, or from force of circumstances. 

If time had thinned the ranks of veterans it had apparently 
dealt more leniently with the commissioned officers, for these 
were well preserved specimens from Lundy's Lane, Chippewa, 
Bridgewater, Queenstown and Fort Erie, and the command 
was vested in the old Spartan "Who never surrendered." 



Alexander Hays' Own Story of First Service 55 

Lower in grade, veteran captains, and grey-haired lieu- 
tenants whiled away the intervals of duty, with reminiscences 
of wars, glories, in impenetrable hummocks, which none but 
amphibious constitutions could have survived. Withlacoo- 
chie and Okechobee were fought again in descriptions of those 
who had fought them indeed, until the listener would seem 
himself to hear the yells of Tustenugge and Osceola, inciting 
their tawny warriors to the harvest of death. 

"Dade's massacre, where the noble command save three 
fell without a chance to retreat," and the devoted friendship 
which led others into "Gaines' Pen" to undergo similar hard- 
ships, but who happily were not destined to so gloomy a fate, 
were resurrected from the dusty files of official record, and re- 
cited in living words, which sank into the soul of the auditor, 
working up the fountains of grief for their sufferings, and 
sad fate, and admiration for their unparalelled heroism, or 
the theme would glide into the eulogistic biography of some 
long-lost companion, once beloved by all for his virtues and 
manly qualities, and still treasured in memory around some 
hearth, once happy in his existence, but long since desolate— 
of one who was the victim of an inglorious Florida skirmish, 
in which, after the forfeiture of his own life, and the defeat 
of his small party, the hand of the savage was stayed upon 
the scalping knife, and the unrelenting enemy of his race 
decently performed the last sad rite which each and all require 
but once. 

The long array of superiors between the young subaltern 
and the commander-in-chief, might well cause the former to 
call in question the fairness of military aspirations, and the 
scriptural allotment of life to man. Promotion was a rugged 
mountain spring at the base, summer midway, and eternal 
snow at the top ; for in those days "none resigned and few 
died." 

Eighteen months of camp and cantonment duty under 
the genial skies of Western Louisiana, had improved not only 
the morale, but physique of the troops, and this time had 
brought about another phase in the aspect of affairs, requiring 
another move upon the political chessboard. 

Joy was unsuppressed when orders arrived to "strike 
tents," and bright visions of a terrestrial paradise to be found 
in Texas, floated through the imagination of each soldier. 
Texas — the land to him of tradition and romance was the sole 



56 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

theme, mingling in his dreams in sleep, and cheering the 
musings of his lonely watch. 

Steamers breasted the dark waters of the Red River, and 
cheers greeted "The Father of Waters," which was to bear 
him to a reunion with old companions in arms. Rumor had 
been busy with her thousand tongues, that Mexican war 
steamers would intercept the transports, but there were no 
misgivings on board to mar the general satisfaction, as vessel 
after vessel, with its full complement of men, glided past the 
Balize into the blue waters of the gulf, bearing to its destina- 
tion, at Corpus Christi, "The Army of Occupation." 

In consequence of our extended dominions, as a matter 
of necessity, our small army had been scattered to all points 
of the compass, with rarely an opportunity of combining two 
regiments. It is a fact established by long experience, that 
masses of men without government, though each individual 
composing the mass be personally brave to a fault, are but 
mobs at best; and the greater the mob the greater the in- 
efficiency. 

Discipline was not required by the "Army of Occupation," 
but consolidation was essential, and in this delightful locality, 
time and opportunity were afforded to perfect its organization 
by combining all its effective, but hitherto scattered elements. 
Nature can afford no fairer panorama for the pencil of the 
artist, than Corpus Christi, with its placid bay and sky rival- 
ing the blue of Italy — lately reposing in almost primitive 
peace, now resounding with war's wild roar. Far along the 
beach, curving inland in graceful sweep, and glistening white 
with native shells, the still white line of tents mark the en- 
campment of the enemy. The bay foams with the arrival and 
departure of vessels, bearing the material of war, while land- 
ward regiments are mustering into brigades, and brigades into 
divisions. A thousand beasts of burden hitherto "by spear 
and bridle undefiled," are plunging across the plain in vain 
resistance to the orders of the quartermaster's department, 
all presenting a scene of wild confusion, not easily described, 
but soon to be reduced to perfect order, constituting that 
"Pyrrhic phalanx," that never met the enemy but to conquer, 
and which though afterwards dismembered, served as yeast 
to leaven the other armies and gave that prestige to our arms, 
which planted our banners on the Halls of the Montezumas 
as though the feat had been a mimic play. 



Alexander Hays' Own Story of First Service 57 

The Winter glided away in active preparations, for each 
succeeding day gave more ominous tokens of coming events. 
When Spring came, and with it orders to advance, each man 
felt that the uncertainty was over, and "smelled the battle afar 
ofif." No longer in detachments but in mass, as one man — 
the desert country lying south of the Nueces River was left 
behind. It was a toilsome march, with few incidents of in- 
terest, but the toils were forgotten as the column debouched 
from the dense chaparral, and deployed upon the left bank 
of the Rio Grande, in full view of the city of Metamoras and 
its guardian forts. 

A large force of the Mexican army had already concen- 
trated in the city, and their formidable looking batteries 
commanded the ground selected for the encampment of our 
army. A protest couched in no very courteous terms, with 
an expressed determination to open fire, was received in 
answer to our demonstration. Nevertheless, for want of a 
better substitute, a wagon tongue did the extempore duty of 
a flag staff, and the Stars and Stripes flaunted as gallantly 
that day as they did from the dome of our Capitol. Guns 
were stacked and the soldiers partook of their evening fare 

"With far less inquietude 

Than courtiers at a banquet would." 

Military assurance, v^'hich is proverbial, certainly had 
never been carried to a greater extreme. Romance, so con- 
genial to the nature of a soldier, threw her mantle around 
everything connected with his operations, and the sons of the 
rugged North found themselves transported to a new exist- 
ence. Within gun-shot of the camp, beautiful gardens 
bloomed with every production of the tropics. Every wander- 
ing step crushed wild flowers, which would have ornamented 
any parteere. Birds unsurpassed for music and plumage, 
sprang from every tree — but woe to the stranger beneath the 
flower whose beauty and fragrance attracted him, the serpent 
darted his fatal sting and the loiterer, to dear God's own music 
from the bush, became a victim to the murderous, and unspar- 
ing ranchero. Affairs could not long remain in this position. 
Acts of aggression were committed by the enemy upon our 
side of the river by the capture of our dragoons — assassination 
of straggling officers, and men. Impressed with its import- 
ance the general commanding issued the order for the construc- 
tion of the field works, afterwards so nobly baptized, and 



58 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

christened Fort Brown. The condition of actual war was to 
exist henceforward. Incessantly by day, but with alacrity, 
our troops plied the pick and shovel, while in view across the 
plains of Matamoras squadrons of gay-decked lancers and 
masses of infantry performed their evolutions. Nights were 
passed by our army in the ditches, resting upon their arms. 
Alarms were frequent, for the enemy w'ere not idle. L^ntimely 
peals of bells, and the barking of dogs, followed by the more 
ominous rumble of artillery, as it rolled over the pavement, 
broke the quiet of the distant city, and roused our soldiers 
from their unrefreshing slumbers. Rockets, like meteors, 
pierced the blackness of midnight, and the glare of port fires 
through the embrasures of the opposing forts proclaimed 
meditated attacks by the enemy. 

The first of May, 1846, completed I''ort Brown, and as 
the sun sank behind the western horizon, the troops excepting 
the small force intended for its garrison, were withdrawn from 
the work, already fatigued with a long day's labor. Their toil 
was not to terminate, but their indomitable energy was equal 
to the task impressed upon them. The order was read, and 
without a cheering note from fife and drum, but in silence, 
the head of the column was directed towards Point Isabel, 
our depot of supplies. Space will not permit an extended 
description of the march, but no one who made it will forget 
the almost Egyptian darkness, as the column now formed 
in squares for protection against hovering troops of the 
enemy's lancers, toiled its slow way across the prairie, inter- 
sected by sloughs, and bristling with formidable cactus. At 
midnight, 18 miles had been passed over, and as the command, 
*'halt," passed along the line, each soldier, excepting guards, 
sank upon the ground where he stood and exhausted nature 
found a brief repose. The reveille of 4 o'clock next morning 
-aroused him again, but with daylight the intervening miles to 
Isabel were soon accomplished. 

The morning of the third broke bright and tranquil, as 
though nature would teach to man a lesson of peace and good- 
will to all his kind. As the sun appeared, a distant booming 
followed by others in rapid succession in the direction of Fort 
Brown sent a thrill through every heart in our encampment. 
To the music of the cannon's roar the w^ork of a few days 
placed Isabel in a defensible position for the few who were to 
maintain it. The seventh gave the commanding general's 



Alexander Hays' Own Story of First Service 59 

order to the troops, announcing the bombardment of Fort 
Brown, the hostile attitude of the enemy, and his determina- 
tion to succor our beleaguered garrison, enjoining it upon the 
infantry that his main dependence would be in their bayonets. 
The aggregate force of our marching army little exceeded 
2,000 men, but with an extended train of wagons loaded with 
provisions formed a long procession. There were no tokens 
of the coming storm excepting the continued reverberations 
of the cannonade, wafted on the pulses of the air from the 
Rio Grande, across the prairie, as the column resumed its 
march on the eighth. In open order with "route step," and 
"arms at will." our troops gave no evidence to an inexperi- 
enced eye, of their thorough training. Confidence begets 
confidence, and so unlimited had it become between officers 
and men, that many privileges and liberties were permitted 
in the ranks, not recognized in the school of the soldier, in 
no way impairing the requirements of strict discipline; yet 
conducing to the comfort and gratification of the men. The 
military etiquette of West Point would have been shocked 
at dress of which a description would have been sought for 
in vain in army regulations; and the exhaled fumes from 
numerous "dunderees" might have suggested that tobacco and 
pipes were items of military stores. Silence was an order not 
enjoined and amusing were the speculations on coming events, 
expressed with perfect confidence in themselves, in each other, 
in their oflficers generally, but most especially in "Old Zack's 
luck." 

No particular emotion was exhibited as the march moved 
steadily onward, until it was announced from the vanguard 
that the enemy were in advance. The announcement was 
electric. Without word or signal, the ranks formed in close 
order. Every gaze was directed across the plain, and as the 
long, dark line of the enemy, drawm up in order of battle, far 
off upon the verge of the prairie, came more distinctly into 
the field of vision each eye in the ranks caught a fierce, almost 
unearthly expression seen for the first time, never to be for- 
gotten. Instinctively all superfluities were thrown aside, and 
the disengaged hand sought the securing strap of the knap- 
sack in preparing disembarrassment for the anticipated 
conflict. A short distance in advance lying between the two 
armies, were several ponds of excellent water, of which our 
men stood in great want, and which, by some unaccountable 



60 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

oversight, the enemy had failed to occupy. These were 
secured and in order to preserve the formation of the column 
companies were alternately detached, to replenish the empty 
canteens, with the enemy now distinctly visible. 

Our train was parked with a sufficient guard for its pro- 
tection and now refreshed, the column was deployed in line 
of battle, and moved forward to the attack. Our light artillery 
rapidly gained position within range and the firing became 
general. The main body of our army passive spectators of 
this game of "long ball," but not without partaking of its 
dangers. Round and grape shot plowed the ground in every 
direction, and though partially sheltered by a less elevated 
position than the artillery, with occasional opportunities of 
dodging; still the ricochet shot of the enemy as it came whirl- 
ing and skipping across the surface of the plain, would make 
frequent obeisance into our ranks summarily striking files 
forever from the muster roll. 

No marked result upon the enemy's ranks was apparent 
from our position, probably in consequence upon the range 
being too extended for the calibre of the guns which had, as 
yet, been brought to bear upon him. There were, in our 
armament, two 24-pounders, destined to make the the most 
striking incident of the day. Large bodies move slowly espe- 
cially if the traction be ox-power. Anxiously, but patiently, 
we had waited the arrival of these engines. Slowly through 
the yielding soil of the prairie, they approached our line, and 
slowly wheeled into the position reserved for them. 

Thus far our troops had stood unflinchingly, the most try- 
ing test, to which the soldier is ever subjected. No exclamation 
or word except commands of officers, had been uttered. 
Intense interest had concentrated on the 24-pounders. As 
the signal to fire is given, every eye is strained to mark the 
effect, and as the double charge of heavy grape goes tearing 
and plowing through the enemy's lines, opening wide a path 
for death to enter in, and sweeping far behind through the 
masses of his reserve, back to the tall timber still behind — 

"At once there rose so wild a yell. 
As all the fiends from Heaven that fell 
Had pealed the banner cry of hell!"^ 

1 "Lady of the Lake," Canto; XVIL 



Alexander Hays' Own Story of First Service 61 

Such a demonstration, so unusual, was entirely unpremedi- 
tated. It was not the faint cheer of a single throat, but 
simultaneously from thousands, in a perfect unison, as if it 
had been the lesson of a daily drill, instead of an exception. 
The physical effect, acting reversely on the two armies, was 
distinctly manifest. Rapidly the heavy guns continued to 
deliver their iron shower, greeted each round, by the almost 
frantic cheers from our line, while confusion and consternation 
appeared fast demoralizing our opponents. 

The diversion created had enabled the light artillery to 
advance within shorter range, and accident alone intervened 
to prolong the battle. 

The firing had ignited the dry grass of the prairie, and 
sheets of flame, driving obscuring clouds of smoke, swept over 
the field enveloping our army, and intercepting our view of 
the enemy. Our line was deployed into columns, and broken 
into regiments, each of which maintained the day, in various 
engagements, with different corps of the enemy, until night 
closed and our army rested upon the battlefield of Palo Alto. 

Linton, January 15th, 1861. 

Linton was the Hays home at the date mentioned, and is 
frequently referred to in his letters from the field during the 
rebellion. It was on the Morningside Road in the then Collins 
Township, now Morningside Avenue, in the City of Pitts- 
burgh. 

Although of a personal nature, it may not be inappro- 
priate here to also give in full the following characteristic 
letters written by Lieut. Alexander Hays to immediate 
relatives during his service in the Army of Observation, 
Occupation and Invasion, and his most active service in 
Mexico afterwards. The letter to his brother James breathes 
a deep tenderness showing the feelings of the young soldier 
compelled to leave his recent bride, and his longings, aims 
and ambitions and his resolve to lead an upright life and win 
for his little family and self an honorable name. 

Alexander Hays and Annie Adams McFadden were mar- 
ried on Thursday morning, February 19, 1846, at the McFadden 
home then at No. 58 Penn Street (now avenue). This residence 
of John B. McFadden was immediately opposite the historic 
Boquet Block House, which then could not be seen from 
Penn Street. According- to the custom of the times and the 



62 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

custom for many years afterwards, the Pittsburgh newspapers 
announced the w^edding thus : 

MARRIED. 
On Thursday morning, 19th inst., by the Rev. Francis 
Herron, D. D., Lieut. Alexander Hays, U. S. A., to Annie, 
daughter of John B. McF'adden, Esq., of this city. 

The wedding trip was to Bufifalo, N. Y., in a sleigh with 
stops at Mercer to see the Pearson family and at Franklin 
to the "Old Home." 

The honeymoon was brief as the letter to James P. Hays 
is dated March 16, 1846, and Lieut. Hays is on his return to 
his regiment. 

Dr. Herron was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, 
Pittsburgh. 1811-1851. It was through Lieut. P. A. Farrelly, 
the bride's step-brother, that Alexander Hays and his wife 
first met. 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO HIS NIECE, ANNA PEARSON. 

DAUGHTER OF JUDGE JOHN J. PEARSON, 

OF MERCER, PA. 

"Division Del Norte, General en Gefe, 

"Camp near Fort Brown (Texas) 

"May 17, 1846. 
"Dear Anna : — 

"I have just finished writing to your father, and write this 
in hope it will draw some return from you. Remember I am 
far from home, and that a letter would be most equal to seeing 
your dear little face. Aunt Annie^ writes often, and in her 
last letter said she expected you to visit her. which I hope 
your father will permit you to do soon. 

"I need not tell you all the hardships of a poor soldier's 
life, for it will not afiford you interest, but if you feel any. ask 
father to read you my letter. 

"If I had time 1 might give you some account of this 
country, which would be interesting, for it is truly "a land of 
sun and flowers.' but you will find hereafter and feel with me 
that 'there's no place like home." 

"I think of you often and wish you to remember me. Do 
you ever write to Alf,^ and does he write to you? Give him 
my love and tell him he must write to me. 

"Give my love to mother, grandmother. Aunts Susan, 
Marg. and Margaret, and to all my friends. Good bye. 

"Your uncle, 

"Alex." 

1 Mrs. Annie McFadden Hays, the bride of February. 

2 Alfred Pearson. 



Alexander Hays' Own Story of First Service 63 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO HIS BROTHER, JAMES P. HAYS. 

"Steamer 'El Dorado,' March i6, 1846. 
"Dear Brother ; — 

"I will not offer anything to extenuate my gross neglect 
of you for the last year. Family failings are sometimes difih- 
cult to overcome, and I will only promise that the future shall 
make amends for the past. 

"1 have never told you, although you have heard it, that 
I am in the army. After leaving West Point I was ordered 
to Red River, La., where I remained until last June. We were 
then ordered to Texas where, under exposures of different 
kinds, I was broken down, and went to what we called the 
'United States.' Instead of remaining in Louisiana to recruit 
my health, I passed up to 'old home,' and at Pittsburgh took 
unto myself a wife — one Annie A. McFadden, now Annie A. 
Hays, and daughter of John B. McFadden, Esq. (jeweler) of 
said city. No doubt this will all be old news to you, when 
you receive this, but it is intended as a mere introduction to 
what follows. You cannot deny me some judgmeiit in female 
character ; and what everybody says must be true — therefore 
you will find in your sister Annie one of the kindest, sweetest, 
most interesting young ladies you ever met. I took her to 
Mercer, where she even pleased sister Mary and Miss Lydia 

Eliza Louisa P , although the latter was as jealous of 

her as bricks. 

"It would, of course, have been all one to me as far as 
the act of marriage was involved, whether my relatives were 
pleased or not ; but now since it is all over, and they are 
pleased, it is no small gratification, I assure you. I think 
father feels as I do, that Annie will be all to him that he 
could desire, in such case I only fear she would be carried 
to extremes in her anxieties. 

"In getting married, I have reasons few imagined. I felt 
like some of my brothers before me, that I was 'Prone to 
wander,' and the necessities of a turn 'Now or never.' The 
consequence was a wife, and there will be a thorough reform- 
ation. Further intentions I will give you before I am done. 
I ask it, as a particular favor, that you will write to Annie 
as soon as possible. You can send it through father, and you 
will gratify her very much. I feel the poor girl will feel quite 
lonesome, but still more, that she will attempt to join me 
should she hear a report of sickness or distress from me. I 
may not see her again for a year, certainly not before we 
leave Texas. 

"I am uncertain where I shall be obliged to go until I 
reach New Orleans. I left my regiment at Corpus Christi, 
but they have since received orders to march to somewheres 
on the Rio Grande. I am well pleased with the country, and 
would be willing to remain there if we had any accommoda- 
tions. It is, however, perfectly wild and it will be sometime 



64 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



before it becomes settled. The climate is unequaled, and 
there is almost perpetual summer. At times the thermometer 
stands at 105 and 106 degrees, but the gulf breeze has a tend- 
ency to overcome the oppressive heat. Game, fish, flesh and 
fowl abound in myriads through all parts. Altogether, it is 
the greatest country under the sun. My sickness had no 
local cause but arose from excessive exposure alone. For 
two months I was confined to the hospital with fever, and 
serious apprehensions were entertained for my recovery. 

"I would like to give you some account of our landing 
and passage to the interior, but will not have space I fear. 
Previous to going there, I had been put upon extra duty for 
sometime and after we arrived, the old general made it per- 
manent by selecting me for every expedition, sometimes act- 
ing as captain of a steamboat, sometimes as skipper of a 
yawl. On another expedition I was sent to purchase cattle 
for 'Uncle Sam.' I had no money, only my sweet honest 
face and that three hundred miles from the army where I 
was totally unknown. I succeeded in obeying my orders, not 
without considerable difficulty, and returned, after a month's 
absence, with eighty yoke, pronounced to be 'the finest lot 
of cattle ever collected.' Without giving me any rest, I was 
sent again and again until finally, 'exhausted nature could 
endure no more,' and I was laid up. 

"I am now on my return, I suppose to work all over 
again, since they have taken the idea that I can do these 
things better than others. Yes, sir ! Even when unwell, I 
ha^^e been requested to take charge of a crew of laborers 
where there were twenty young men doing nothing, and 
better paid that I was. Some say I ought to feel flattered. 
Well, I was, but I found that poor pay and if ever I work as 
hard again as I have, for 'Uncle Sam' or anvone else, may 
I be . 



"Be sure to write soon, through father, and he will be 
aware of my whereabouts. I will not forgive you if you do 
not write to your widowed sister Annie. 

"Your brother, 

"Alex." 
"To J. P. Hays, Esq." 

This item was clipped from the "Pittsburgh Leader" of 
July 2Z, 1885 : 

GENERAL ALEXANDER HAYS AND GRANT AT MEXICO 

"This morning Gilbert A. Hays, of Sewickley, son of the 
late Major-General Alexander Hays, presented the Leader 
with a photograph of General Grant and General Hays, taken 



Alexander Hays' Own Story of First Service 65 

at Camp Salubrity, Louisiana, in 1845, when on their way 
to the Mexican war. General Grant and General Hays had 
graduated the year before from West Point, and each with 
the rank of second lieutenant, were on their way to the front 
when the daguerreotype was taken. The picture shows the 
two men dismounted. General Hays holding his horse by the 
bridle and Grant with his right arm thrown carelessly over 
the neck of his charger. Both are dressed in the regulation 
uniform of that day, General Hays wearing shoulder straps 
and General Grant the stripes on the coat sleeve denoting his 
rank. Boyish in appearance he has a soldier-like bearing, 
his military cap setting well down on his big high forehead. 
The caps worn at that time were unlike the military cap of 
today, being high with a brim that projected downward over 
the e3^es instead of straight forward as now worn. His face 
is smooth without the sign of a beard. The photograph is a 
copy of a daguerreotype now in the possession of General 
Hays' family. General Hays and General Grant, as before 
stated, were cadets together at West Point. General Hays 
was killed at the battle of the Wilderness, May 5, 1864." 

It is quite evident that when the future generals were 
"At Mexico," they were at a very large place. The item is 
erroneous also in the date of graduation of the distinguished 
soldiers. The reader already knows that Grant was of the 
class of 1843, and Hays. 1844. General Longstreet in the 
chapter entitled "The Ante-bellum Life of the Author" in his 
book, "From Manassas to Appomattox," states that the Third 
and Fourth Infantry regiments were ordered from Jefferson 
Barracks, St. Louis, to Fort Jessup. Louisiana, in May 1844, 
a few weeks prior to Alexander Hays' graduation. Here 
General Taylor's little "Army of Observation" was organized, 
which became the "Army of Occupation," July 25, 1845, at 
Corpus Christi. 



CHAPTER VII. 

LANE'S BRIGADE IN MEXICO 

THE victorious army of General Scott entered the City 
of Mexico September 14, 1847. On the 19th, the 
brigade of Brigadier-General Joseph Lane left Vera 
Cruz for the capital in charge of a long train of supplies. The 
brigade was made up of two regiments of volunteer infantry, 
the 4th Ohio, Colonel Charles H. Brough, and the 4th Indiana, 
Colonel Willis A. Gorman; a detachment of regular recruits 
under Capt. Seneca G. Simmons, Seventh U. S. Infantry ; ^ a 
five-gun battery of the Third U. S. Artillery, Capt. George 
Taylor, ist Lieut. Horace B. Field ; a section of two guns of the 
Second U. S. Artillery, ist Lieut. Henry C. Pratt, and a com- 
pany of Louisiana mounted volunteers, Capt. Lorenzo Lewis. 
This force was augmented, when ready to move, by another 
detachment of regular recruits under the command of Capt. 
Samuel P. Heintzelman, Second Infantry, with whom was 
Lieut. Alexander Hays, Eighth Infantry. Lieut. Alexander 
Hays found among his new comrades many who subsequently 
obtained national distinction. Col. Brough was a brother of 
John Brough, one of Ohio's war governors ; Colonel Gorman, 
governor of Minnesota (1857-1858), was colonel of the ist 
Minnesota Volunteers in the Civil War, obtaining the rank of 
brigadier-general of volunteers ; Lieut. -Colonel Augustus 
Moor, 4th Ohio, was colonel of 28th Ohio Volunteers in that 
war and was brevetted brigadier-general of volunteers and 
2nd Lieut. Thomas J. Lucas, 4th Indiana, colonel of the i6th 
Indiana (1861), was brevetted major-general of volunteers — 
both for gallant and distinguished services. Lieut.-Colonel 
Ebenezer Dumont, 4th Indiana, was colonel of the 7th Indiana 
in the Civil War and early a full brigadier-general of volun- 
teers. 

Then there was Capt. George E. Pugh, 4th Ohio, later 
a celebrated attorney in Cincinnati, a representative in Con- 
gress, and United States Senator from Ohio. 

1 Capt. Simmons, West Point Class 1834, was killed at Glen- 
dale, Va., June 30, 1862, then colonel Fifth Pennsylvania Reserves. 

66 



Lane's Brigade in Mexico 67 

Several other officers under Lane attained distinction in 
the Civil War, with the rank of colonel of volunteers.^ 

General Lane fully appreciated Alexander Hays, recog- 
nizing his worth and capacity, and Alexander Hays had ever 
a kindly word for "Joe" Lane. In a biographical sketch of 
Alexander Hays, published soon after the Civil War, the 
statement is boldly made that a distinguished officer once 
remarked that while on General Lane's staff, Alexander Hays 
made a military reputation for his chief that afterwards sent 
him to the United States Senate. Unfortunately the name of 
this observing officer has not been handed down. Those who 
followed Alexander Hays in the Civil War will readily believe 
that wherever Lane led, Alexander Hays was close up.^ 

General Lane, however, is best known in history from his 
political life. A native of North Carolina, he was naturally 
a pro-slavery man and his candidacy with Breckenridge in 
i860 was not strange. Of a certainty Lane's Mexican War 
service was brilliant.^ 

The story of Lane's brigade has been charmingly told by 
a noted officer of the United States army * and this work tells 
also the story of Alexander Hays' services in Mexico after 
his return from recruiting service. 

Letters home in those war days as well as those from the 
Civil War are now of inestimable value. The daughter of 
General Robert Anderson of Fort Sumter fame has recently 
published his letters from Mexico. Going over the same route 
as Lane, these letters are especially pertinent.^ 

Always a ready writer, Alexander Hays wrote lengthy 
and interesting letters to his young wife, and these she loyally 

1 First lieutenants, A. G. Brackett, O. H. P. Carey, Benjamin F. 
Hays, 4th Indiana; John C. Groom, 4th Ohio Volunteers. 

2 "Disaster, Struggle, Triumph," Mrs. Arabella P. Willson, 
Albany, 1879 — The history of the 126th New York Volunteers. Vide 
P. 337, Ibid. 

3 General Lane died in Oregon, April 19, 1881, aged 80. 

* Colonel Albert Gallatin Brackett, U. S. A., serving with Lane 
as a lieutenant in the 4th Indiana in 1850, published "Lane's 
Brigade In Central Mexico." Colonel Brackett died in Washing- 
ton, D. C. in 1897. In this little book Lieut. Alexander Hays re- 
ceives deserving mention. 

5 "An Artillery Officer In Mexico," Robert Anderson, captain. 
Third Artillery. "Notes of the Mexican War," J. J. Oswandel, Com- 
pany C, 1st Pennsylvania Volunteers. 



68 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

preserved, and treasured as most precious in memory, and 
unpurchasable. A suitable tin box was made their receptacle 
and for years they were safe ; but alas ! in one of the movings 
of the Hays family, some despicable thief, presuming from 
the appearance of the box that it contained valuables, appro- 
priated it and finding its contents useless, with vandal hands 
destroyed them. No such thief ever makes restitution ; to do 
so would be to invite apprehension ; safer to destroy. Thus 
Alexander Hays' letters from Mexico, graphic and realistic, 
terse in diction, were lost to the world, hence even at this 
late date, the boyish effort of Colonel Brackett comes as a 
mine of real wealth.' 

Lane left many sick behind and there had been numerous 
deaths mainly from yellow fever. The first day's march was 
especially fatiguing. The road lay through sand ridges almost 
verdureless and was full of deep cuts. The artillery carriages 
were pushed up the steep ascent by the soldiers. After pass- 
ing the scene of Harney's fight at the Medelin River the 
column toiled on to the ruined village of Santa Fe. Only 
seven miles had been made and the tired men gladly lay 
down on the soft prairie grass to sleep. ^ 

At sunrise of what turned out an intensely hot day. the 
column moved without any music, Brackett says, except that 
made by the swarms of parrots along the road. Many of 
the recruits and unseasoned soldiers threw away their belong- 
ings and accoutrements and had cause to lament later. About 
noon the advance of the long column had an engagement 
with guerrillas, who were routed by the cavalry. The brigade 
went into bivouac at night near a creek where many men 
became most desperately sick from eating strange fruits, and 
a most miserable night was passed, but fortunately no one 
died. 

September 2ist the column marched 15 miles to the Paso 
de Ovejas. called by the Americans, "The Robbers' Bridge." 
"I'his day. too, was oppressively hot. and no incidents worthy 
of mention occurred, except a needless alarm in the evening. 
The train was a mile in length, the men concentrating in the 
village resting the animals until the evening of the 22nd. 
when they again advanced. The 4th Indiana considerably 

1 Colonel Brackett. when serving in Lane's brigade, was but 18 
years old. 

2 "An Artillery Officer In Mexico." Anderson; P. 133. 



Lane's Brigade in Mexico 69 

in the lead, was attacked by a large body of guerrillas. The 
train was halted and the lines formed, and Lewis' cavalry 
charged into the valley below and up a nearby hill, losing 
their lieutenant, killed instantly, but the cavalry were unable 
to reach their enemies. A six-pounder cannon, however, 
which had been unlimbered, sent a charge or two of grape- 
i-hot into them, and effectually settled the Mexican appetite 
for battle. 

The way now led over the ancient road, the air sweet 
with fragrance of unknown plants, and filled with songs of 
unknown birds, the plain and slopes covered with a wild 
growth ; mimosas, cactuses, acacias, vines with gaudy blos- 
soms trailing among shrubs and the maguey. Ruined churches 
and haciendas, deserted and ivy-covered, stately and solemn, 
decked in coronals of flowers, were common and frequent 
sights, sad evidences of an uncanny desolation.^ 

Advancing a few miles, the column was surprised to 
meet Colonel Hughes,' who had come to Lane's relief on 
hearing of the attack upon him, but reinforcements were not 
needed. 

Early in the afternoon the marching troops commenced 
to descend along the hard limestone rock, high hills on each 
side of the road, and soon the east end of the famous Puente 
Nacional is in sight, formerly "Puente del Rey," the name 
changing with the republic to the "National Bridge." Going 
down the road, two dried-up bodies were discovered, and 
strips of clothing left no doubt of what they once were. On 
the ends of bayonets, the putrid bodies were tossed over the 
rocky declivity, it being impossible to give any other burial. 

The grandeur of the scenery about the bridge is 
unequalled in Mexico. Midway between the east and west 
ends of the bridge there is a high, rocky eminence on which 
a fort had been erected. In the surrounding mountain fast- 
nesses, and in the defiles near the bridge, were ample hiding 
places for guerrillas, and even small armies, and in the revo- 
lution which gave Mexico its independence, many combats 
took place in the vicinity. Previous to the arrival of Lane's 
brigade, four fights had occurred here, with General Cad- 
wallader, June loth ; General Franklin Pierce, July i6th : 

1 General Anderson notes this profusion of flowers. "An Artil- 
lery Ofliicer In Mexico," Robert Anderson; P. 134. 

2 With the Maryland and District of Columbia Volunteers. 



70 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Major Lally, August 12th, and Colonel Hughes had carried 
the fort on the point of the bayonet September 9th. Nearby — 
on a hill was a beautiful hacienda, once the property of Santa 
Anna. Lane's men were not slow to avail themselves of the 
comforts of the buildings and those of the neighboring 
deserted village. 

Lane was obliged to send back part of his train for pro- 
visions and more ammunition and this reduced his force 
materially, as a strong guard was needed anywhere in Mexico. 
The little army was not faring sumptuously by any means ; 
hard tack and fresh beef without salt was the daily diet and 
once for four days, fresh beef and water alone. 

Lane pushed on to Jalapa with the whole brigade, except 
part of the 4th Indiana left to guard the train, but before 
starting he held a review, a most picturesque and warlike 
spectacle, with the surroundings of the sublime in nature and 
the wonderful in engineering, for the bridge was indeed a 
wonder; finished in 1776, its massive arches spanned the Rio 
Antaigua, a swift stream rising at the base of Mount Orizaba. 
Colonel Hughes was left to guard the bridge and garrison 
the fort. 

The road to Jalapa was fearfully rough. The men were 
hungry, some having only mouldy and sour Hour with which 
to make a few cakes. Along the ascending road filled with 
loose stones, the column toiled, and a tedious and disagreeable 
march it was. The march led around the Broken Bridge at 
Plan del Rio, a single arch span which had been blown up 
to impede the progress of the Americans, but always resource- 
ful, they had built a road around it and waded the small 
streams, and pressed on, passing the battle ground of Cerro 
Gordo, like the National Bridge, capable of being made a 
modern Thermopylae. 

Mementoes of the battle were plenty, the usual debris of 
a battlefield everywhere in sight. A few bones lay here and 
there along the road and the long line of abattis still stretched 
down the hill to the left. Over a steep precipice the bodies 
of the dead had been thrown, in lieu of burial. Thus Lane 
and his men pushed their way along the Camino Nacional, 
that famous road of centuries, and the country now begins 
to ascend, the road having struck boldly into the mountain 
side, and the tall slopes of the Sierras have long been in view 
in bold and inspiring masses. The road winds slowly and 



Lane's Brigade in Mexico 71 

roughly around the scant sides, which have been hewn and 
notched to receive it, the mountains towering majestically 
above. Mountainous walls on one side, impenetrable abysses 
below, immensely deep and rugged ravines, wooded heights 
in places rising thereout, hemmed in by other eminences; a 
boundary of rocks and forests through which vision cannot 
penetrate — such was the scenery and such the journey along 
the Camino Nacional. At length Jalapa is reached with the 
lofty Cordilleras in the west to be crossed, and more priva- 
tions and strenuous work ahead. 

The city and department of Jalapa are in the State of 
Vera Cruz. In beautiful Jalapa Lane's troops obtained a most 
enjoyable rest. They entered in the midst of a drizzling rain 
with the sorrowful music of wet drums, and moodily flapping 
colors, but with the cessation of the rain stout hearts and 
brave spirits revived, and the troops made a better appearance. 

At Jalapa, Major Lally, Ninth U. S. Infantry, was found, 
after his stirring march up from the coast, during which, out 
of 1,200 men he had lost 105, and been badly wounded him- 
self. Lieut. Alexander Hays was fortunate to fall in with 
Capt. Benjamin Alvord and Lieuts. Henderson Ridgeley and 
David A. Russell, of his old regiment, the Fourth Infantry. 
Capt. Alvord was acting adjutant general of Lally's com- 
mand.^ 

Lane's stay in Jalapa was brief — only long enough to 
repair his baggage wagons and obtain mules to take the place 
of those who had literally laid down and died from fatigue. 
Colonel Childs was starving and fighting at Puebla and Lane 
hastened on. The country around was sufficiently floral to 
arouse the most intense interest in Alexander Hays, and he 
certainly improved his opportunities. The maguey we know 
as the century plant — the American aloe. Miles of fence of 
this wonderful plant were common enough in Mexico. The 
convolulus, the source of our drugstore jalap — a long creeping 
vine with handsome white and blue flowers ; the bananas, 
pineapples, cocoanut trees, oranges and lemons, all found 
admiration and use, but botany does not thrive amid war's 
disturbing features and sober thoughts prevailed among the 
rank and file as well as the officers of Lane's brigade, for all 

1 Brevet Major-General Russell, Sixth Corps, killed at the battle 
of the Opequan, September 19, 1864. 



72 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

knew the command was cut oflf from all succor and under- 
stood plainly they must work out, fight out their own safety^ 
Lane left Jalapa October ist. A drenching rain soaked 
everything — torrents of rain that inundated the face of the 
country like a great lake ; in some places on the road, water 
was a foot to i8 inches in depth. One can imagine such 
campaigning. The men, marching sullenly along, shielding 
their muskets as well as they could with their short jackets 
and blankets, but the cavalrymen were a pitiable sight, thor- 
oughly soaked and dripping wet without the opportunity of 
keeping warm by marching on foot.- 

With night comes the steep ascent, for they are now at 
the foot of the Cordilleras. With increasing altitude comes 
increasing cold. Only the sounds of the vehicles — the rough 
jolting of the artillery and the clinking of accoutrements, 
break the silence. It is no time for talk. Darkness comes on 
suddenly in those latitudes, demanding a halt. The night is 
spent without fires, the men partaking of their four days' 
rations and then, tired, wet and cheerless, they wrap their 
wet blankets around them and lie down in the mud and 
water with chills running through their bones, and rolling 
thunder reverberating in their ears in their oft awakening. 

The march was now through a volcanic region. The first 
camp on this day was at La Hoya. the scene of a fight on 
June 20th. All day there had been a dense fog which lay 
close along the mountain tops and left no opportunity to 
dry out. the command being kept wet. and chilly, but at 
La Floya the men were gi\en a good ration of beef from con- 
fiscated Mexican cattle. 

The next day. after another restless night, the long train 
a great encumbrance, the command pursued the march. On 
this day some soldiers who had gone to a road-by spring, 
were fired upon by lurking guerrillas and three were killed. 
The cavalry immediately charged the retreating foes and left 
five stretched upon the ground on their return. At night a 

1 General Winfield Scott was impressed with the grandeur of 
the scenery en route to the capital. Vide his "Autobiography;" 
PP. 457. 467, Vol. II. General Anderson also speaks of the natural 
beauty of this place, the richer soil and Orizaba in plain view. "An 
Artillery Officer In Mexico;" P. 143. 

2 As to rains, "Whilst it rained it came literally in torrents, 
'a cantaros, a chuzos,' " in the language of the country — "pitch- 
forks, bucketsful." "History of the Mexican War," Wilcox; P. 311. 



Lane's Brigade in Mexico 73 

halt was made at Cruz Blanco, and Lane remained here over 
night and many baggage wagons with camp utensils having 
broken down, a poor supper awaited the tired men, but the 
next day the sun shone clear and bright and a more level road 
served also to gladden, and there was cheer enough for the 
musicians to get out their instruments, and the command, to 
the inspiring notes of "Yankee Doodle," marched briskly into 
Perote, at about ii A. M. Perote, an adobe built town, with 
its splendid castle, commanding the country for many miles, 
a relic of the Spanish days back to 1776, and garrisoned by 
Major F. L. Bowman of the ist Pennsylvania Volunteers. 
The castle had been turned into a hospital and many wounded 
men, with amputated limbs, from Cerro Gordo, still lay help- 
less within its solid walls. ^ 

General Lane, having received information that Santa 
Anna was concentrating to attack him, to strengthen his 
force all he could, took the four companies of the ist Penn- 
sylvania along, the other six, under Lieut.-Colonel Samuel W. 
Black of Pittsburgh, being with the beleaguered garrison at 
Puebla. Lane also took along that sturdy ranger, Capt. 
Samuel H. Walker, and his Mounted Rifles and it proved to 
his death. 

Lane's force now amounted to 3.300 men with seven 
pieces of artillery, a formidable force, as American forces 
went in Mexico — a well drilled force, too, and ready for action 
at any moment. October 5th the command moved forward. 
The weather was now very hot, and the route was over an 
extensive sandy plain, a pack of Mexican wolves paralleling 
the moving column all day. This march was a most distres- 
sing one. the men and animals suffering the most intense 
thirst. In those days the canteens were of India rubber and 
the water in them became steaming hot, yet on this day, so 
great was the torture from thirst, that those who were fortu- 
nate enough to have any water could obtain as high as $5.00 
for a single drink. Nevertheless, 30 miles were made, and 
when the town of Tepiacualca was reached, the regimental 
and battalion commanders were obliged to send back empty 
wagons to pick up those who had fallen from fatigue, and 
when the wagons returned, they brought back three soldiers 

1 Perote — The plain less rich and few respectable looking 
houses. "An Artillery Officer In Mexico;" P. 145. 



74 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

who would march no more, for that day's march had killed 
them. 

Tepiacualca was a typical Mexican town — a few adobe 
houses, a plaza, and a stone church, but the people had 
departed and Lane's men tore down all the wooden parts of 
the houses for fires. A rigid guard was maintained this night, 
for a body of Mexican lancers had been plainly seen in the 
distance — a hard night's service after so fatiguing a day.^ 

On the 6th, the command had an issue of fresh pork, 
the men doing the "issuing" from a herd of 300 belonging 
to a Mexican. As this day had not been so hot and the 
men had been well fed, there was not so much suffering. 
Santa Anna, aware that he could not take Puebla, had come 
eastward to attack Lane, and to prevent him from joining 
Childs. 

October 8th, the command halted for the night at the 
hacienda of San Antonio Tamaris and the train closed in close 
to the walls and cannon were planted. Three miles away 
was the village of Napaloucan and with its Vesper bells 
sounding sweetly, telling of repose and quiet. The men of 
Lane's brigade, after supper, dropped asleep and for not a 
few it was the last sleep. Arms had been stacked and fires 
kindled along the lines, and some comfort was obtained. 

October 9th was an eventful day. The bivouac was 
broken at the sudden daybreak. The sun rose in glorious 
majesty and the entrancing beauty of its rays gilded the 
distant peaks, and all was calm and still "save the sounds of the 
drums and the bugles." A quick roll call, a hasty breakfast 
of hard crackers and coffee, the quick accoutering and 
"fall-in," and the line was formed and the advance began. 
Rumors were now thick — Santa Anna was close at hand, and 
his forces were "variously" estimated — always enough. 

The 4th Ohio, Simmons' battalion and Pratt's section of 
artillery, were left to guard the baggage and all knapsacks. 
The command moved, Capt. Walker leading with his riflemen : 
next the two companies of Louisiana cavalry and the Georgia 
cavalry company, followed by the 4th Indiana and the four 
companies of the ist Pennsylvania, under Colonel Wynkoop, 

1 General Anderson spells this, Tepeyahualco, and describes 
it as a miserable place where the nights were very cold and nothing 
but maguey plant in sight in the way of vegetation. "An Artillery 
Officer In Mexico," Capt. Robert Anderson, Third Artillery; P. 150. 
"a town built of mud houses," Oswandel. 



Lane's Brigade in Mexico 75 

then Lally's battalion, Capt. Heintzleman's battalion the rear 
guard; in all, about 2,000 men. Through the hot sands and 
the clouds of dust, the column marched about 10 miles when 
the cavalry dashed ahead and were soon lost to view. General 
Lane and staff rode along the line, and soon came the order 
for the infantry to move in double time, and in a fev/ moments 
more the exhilerating crack, crack, of the riflemen was heard 
and the combat of Huamantla had begun. A combat, in a 
military sense, is an engagement of no great magnitude or 
an engagement wherein the forces are not armies. Lane's 
forces were now in plain sight of the city, and a large force 
of Mexican lancers could be seen on the left going at full 
speed toward the city. "A beautiful sight," says Brackett, 
"the showy troops, magnificent in their red and green uni- 
forms, their long bright lances gleaming in the sun, flashed 
splendidly as they rode with perfect fury, their crimson pen- 
nons fluttering gracefully from their lances, and their national 
flag, a tri-color of green, white and red with the Aztec eagle 
in the center, rose above the pennons." There then began a 
race, each party striving to reach the city first, for if the 
Mexicans arrived first, with the immense disparity of numbers 
against them, the fate of Lane's small band of cavalry was 
easily foreseen. Lane's infantry tore through the maguey 
fields, blood gushing from many men's nostrils, and they 
strained every effort, but they cannot compete with horsemen, 
and the Mexicans reach the city, as a maddening cry of dis- 
appointment bursts from the enraged Americans, who slacken 
not their pace. The foot soldiers reached the upper end of 
a street leading to the plaza, where they were halted for 
breath, just as a mounted rifleman rode up bareheaded and 
dropped from his horse, dead, first having torn open his jacket 
with convulsive grasp, revealing not one, but many ghastly 
lance wounds, any one of them fatal. ^ 

At this point the Indiana men divided, one wing going 
forward into the plaza, and another to the suburbs, Wynkoop 
and his Pennsylvanians and the artillery moved to the east 
side of the town; Heintzelman's battalion to the right. 
Lieut. -Colonel Dumont and his battalion had come suddenly 
upon the lancers. Quick orders were given — "Ready, aim, 
fire" — in a flash the Indianians had emptied their muskets and 
the Mexican force was completely riddled, and men and horses 

1 "General Lane's Brigade In Central Mexico;" P. 90. 



76 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

rolled over in frantic confusion and many horses and riders 
never arose again, and as they looked upon the dead men who 
lay on the ground, the men in blue were awed, for they had 
been in their first battle, and the awe that was on them was 
the awe of death, and they themselves had not come out 
unscathed — nine had fallen, three dead, and one was missing. 
The Indiana men placed their colors on the arsenal in the 
plaza, the color guard killing some Mexicans who attempted 
to keep them out. 

When Capt. Walker's cavalry charged into the plaza, he 
found a body of Mexican infantry and some artillery. In a 
brief, fierce encounter, the enemy were driven ofif, leaving 
three cannon in Walker's possession. Walker's men, suppos- 
ing the conflict over, were resting themselves, when 2,000 
lancers, commanded by Santa Anna himself, charged into the 
square. The American cavalry, knowing they could not 
withstand so great a number, took refuge in a church yard 
with a high stone wall around it. The brave Walker, how- 
ever, in endeavoring to save the guns was made a target for 
the enemy's escopettes. two balls of large calibre striking him 
almost at the same moment, one passing through his head 
and the other through his breast. His death was instantane- 
ous, and his faithful slave was killed almost at his side. The 
Mexicans captured one gun, losing many men in the attempt. 
Capt. Besancon's company of Louisianians, under their 
impetuous leader, cut their way through the Mexicans like a 
whirlwind, but not without loss. When the enemy were no 
longer to be fought, all the houses in the town were searched 
and a number of prisoners were taken. Many fine houses 
were broken open and looted. A large amount of ammunition 
was found and destroyed. The beautiful fountain in the plaza 
had been filled with gunpowder, rendering the water unfit 
for use, and powder was scattered on the ground about, to 
the depth of several inches. This was the last battle Santa 
Anna fought against the Americans. He made his escape with 
a few lancers and retired to Tehuacan. One naturally feels 
like writing something of this notorious revolutionist, militair. 
agitator, demon, general, scoundrel — whatever he may be 
called, but let it suflfice to say that Santa Anna was a most 
timid soldier and justly, years back, had earned and still occu- 
pied a place in the front rank of the world's historic 
blackguards, and he who wishes to read the generalization of 



Lane's Brigade in Mexico 77 

his character will find it most thoroughly and truthfully done 
by Brantz Mayer, in the last pages of his first volume on 
Mexico,' and it is good reading, too. Lane and his men, how- 
ever, were not through with him as will appear. 

October 9th, Lane assembled his different battalions at 
night in the plaza. 13 men were killed, 19 wounded, some 
mortally, and 10 were missing. After the engagement, when 
General Lane had moved on to Puebla, a number of Americans 
who remained behind in Huamantla intoxicated, were killed 
by the returning enemy. 

Besides Walker, five of his men were killed, seven 
wounded and six were missing, nearly half the total losses 
in the brigade. The dead and wounded were carried back to 
San Antonio Tamaris the next day, Sunday, and buried with- 
out coffins. Capt. Walker lay side by side with his negro 
servant, for in death the color line had been wiped out, and 
the slave and the owner were mere humanity. 

Samuel H. Walker was a native of Maryland. He had 
emigrated at an early age to the Republic of Texas and had 
served as a volunteer soldier in the Creek War and then in 
I'lorida. He had been with General Taylor in his battles, and 
had been previously captured in the Mier expedition but had 
escaped from the Mexicans at Tacubaya and after great hard- 
ships, had reached Tampico and New Orleans. While serving 
with Taylor he was in command of a company of Texan 
rangers, but on account of his reputation as a daring com- 
mander and drillmaster, had been appointed to the regular 
armv and assigned to the Mounted Rifles. He was a medium- 
sized man, light complexioned, and mild in his expression, a 
soldier though by nature, and a product of that type of soldier 
born of the strange tempestuous times. His body was buried 
in a separate grave, and after the war. removed to Texas. 
When the earth closed on him at San Antonio Tamaris. his 
men wept — rough men ; brave men ; men used to seeing 
human lives snuffed out in a moment — wept because their 
chief had fallen, and he had been a just chief as well as a 
gallant one. Colonel Wynkoop read the service, and a com- 
pany of Ohio volunteers fired the regulation volleys.^ 

1 "Mexico: Aztec, Spanish, Republican;" P. 431, et seq. Con- 
sult also Winfield Scott's "Autobiography," Vol. II.; P. 466. "His- 
tory of Mexico," Bancroft, Vol. V.; P. 533. 

2 Capt. Walker was an old comrade of Alexander Hays'. Vide 
Chapter V.; P. 48. "History of Mexico," Bancroft, Vol. V.; P. 528. 



78 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

A more recent historian of the Mexican War, H. O. Ladd, 
justly states that this war formed an epoch in the history of 
the United States, from which dates that heroic spirit of 
patriotism and those marvelous qualities of the American 
soldier of the last generation, which became so conspicuous 
in the Civil War, preparing for it some of the ablest officers 
and leaders. Professor Ladd in commendable admiration of 
the chivalric Walker, devotes several pages of his admirable 
little work to a description of the battle of Huamantla, and 
says of Walker: "No man in all the war died more regretted. 
None fell who combined so many qualities of the prompt, 
daring, energetic, yet cool and self-contained soldier in the 
hour of the greatest peril. The commanding general [Lane], 
in his report, said of Huamantla : 'This victory is saddened 
by the loss of one of the most chivalric, noble-hearted men 
that graced the profession of arms, Capt. Samuel H. Walker, 
of the Mounted Riflemen. Foremost in the advance, he had 
routed the enemy when he fell mortally wounded.' " ^ 

In the afternoon, Lane renewed his march, taking his 
wounded along. To have abandoned them would have con- 
signed them to a terrible death. The evening found the 
command at Napaloucan, only three miles from the hacienda. 
Strong guards were placed, and comfortable quarters found 
by all men not on duty. The guards were fired on this night 
and the men were under arms twice. 

El Pinel was passed safely on the nth. This was a 
mountain pass and could have been effectually used to shut 
off any army, but Santa Anna was a weak strategist, and 
along the side of the mountain, a steep ascent on the left 
and a deep precipice on the right, Lane and his small fighting 
force, marched on without opposition only to be fired on from 
ambush when through the pass. The Ohio regiment was 
quickly deployed and scoured the side of the mountain nearest 
them, but without avail. The miscreants had escaped. They 
were generally safe before they ventured an attack. 

1 "The War With Mexico," Horatio O. Ladd (University of 
New Mexico), 1883; P. 260, et seq. Consult also General Robert 
Anderson's mention of Puebla in his recently published letters, "An 
Artillery Officer In Mexico;" PP. 170, 183. History of the Mexican 
War, Wilcox; P. 498, Lane's report, ex. doc, Senate No. 1, Thirtieth 
Congress, first session. Vide also a recent work, "The United States 
and Mexico," Geo. L. Rives, Vol. IL; PP. 571-572; "History of 
Mexico," Bancroft, Vol. V.; P. 530. 



Lane's Brigade in Mexico 79 

The command toiled on until midnight, reaching Ama- 
soque at that hour, and were quartered in the various 
buildings, having made 30 miles during the day, and Puebia 
still 10 miles away. The men were very tired, so Lane 
decided to wait until morning and although a combat was 
expected, all slept. 

October 12th was warm ; a few miles march and the 
broad valley of Puebia, locked in by towering mountains, 
burst upon the view, a charming landscape, a magnificent 
vision. Far away at the head of the valley could be seen the 
numerous spires of the city and above all, the more sombre 
towers oi the great cathedral. In front, 30 miles away, arose 
the gigantic forms of the twin volcanoes, their lofty crests, 
eternally white, lost in the ponderous day clouds. The con- 
vent of Guadelope lay on a hill to the right, and still further 
on was Fort Loretto. Clouds of smoke, wreathing and curl- 
ing in the distance every few minutes, left no doubt as to their 
origin, and anon the dull boom of the far-away cannon, 
hastened the marching feet, and by 9 o'clock the outskirts of 
Puebia were reached, but the treacherous enemy were awake, 
and passing a ruined church, a volley penetrated the ranks, 
and a private of the Ohio regiment fell dead. The fire was 
returned and without orders, the Ohio men rushed the church 
and killed and captured the remaining enemy. 

In the disposition of the troops the 4th Ohio entered 
the city by the main road, Wynkoop's Pennsylvanians and 
Simmons' battalion supporting. The 4th Indiana proceeded 
further to the left and entered by another street; Major 
Lally's command by still another street. The enemy, secreted 
in the houses and on the house tops, poured many volleys 
into the advancing columns ; volleys even coming from houses 
where a white flag was displayed. The 4th Indiana picked 
off the treacherous foes from the house tops, firing by pla- 
toons. Lieut. -Colonel Dumont had a narrow escape, his life 
being saved by his horse rearing at the flash of the gun aimed 
at him, the ball grazing the gallant Dumont. The Mexicans 
were under the command of General Rea, and it took two 
hours of such fighting to drive him out of the city, and it was 
3 o'clock before Brough's and Gorman's weary men entered 
the plaza. The great cathedral is at the left and the gov- 
ernor's palace at the right of the square and there was not 
a single Mexican in sight of a city of 80,000 inhabitants. 



80 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Lane's other regiments came up silently and halted in the 
square. 

Puebla is 70 miles from the City of Mexico. General 
Scott had left Colonel Childs in Puebla in charge of 1,800 
sick -and wounded of his army. Childs' men were few, a 
company of the Third Dragoons under Capt. Ford, Capts. 
Miller's and Kendrick's batteries, and Lieut. -Colonel Samuel 
\\ . Black with six companies of the 1st Pennsylvania, in all 
393 men ; but during the siege, with some of the convalescents 
daily becoming tit for duty, Childs' effectives were augmented 
to about 1,400 and these were actively engaged from day to 
day. Childs' disposition of his troops was a garrison at the 
Cuartel San Jose, one in Fort Loretto, and one in the convent 
of Guadelope, which are about half a mile away from the 
Cuartel and connected with the city. San Jose was Childs' 
depot of supplies. 

Everything about Puebla was quiet when Scott was 
thundering at the gates of the capital but the Mexicans, thor- 
fjughly whipped there, bethought themselves of Puebla and 
revenge. After various skirmishes in one of which 10 men 
out of 26 quartermaster's hands were killed, a large force of 
the enemy appeared at Puebla, September 14th, and a regu- 
lar siege commenced. Day and night Childs' little band was 
assailed and everything in the way of animals that would 
supply food was driven from the vicinity. Cuartel ' is a large 
square surrounded on three sides by barracks, and into this 
the wide-awake Americans had previously driven many cattle 
and sheep, and this act proved their salvation in one sense. 
The Mexicans, after many efforts, were unsuccessful in turn- 
ing the stream of water that supplied the garrison. Santa 
Anna appeared September 22nd and took command. On the 
25th Major Iturbide, subsequently captured at Huamantla, 
summoned Childs to surrender, but Childs declined, stating 
that Americans were not generally of a surrendering nature. 

Colonel Thomas Childs was not a beloved commander, 
but he was a thorough and trained soldier, and hemmed in 
on all sides, could only hold on. Mis men were proud of him, 
and when he stated he would die rather than yield to his 
treacherous enemy, the troops cheered him and resolved to 
die with him if it came to that. It will not do. in the limits 

1 Also spelled "Quartel." 



Lane's Brigade in Mexico 81 

of this volume, to tell all the incidents of the siege of Puebla. 
Pittsburgh was represented there with her gallant soldier, the 
eloquent-tongued, the knightly "Sam" Black, who fell at 
Gaines' Mills, June 2^, 1862. The "Duquesne Greys" of 
Pittsburgh, Capt. John Herron, Company K of the ist Penn- 
sylvania Regiment were there, and Company A., the Jackson 
Independent Blues of Pittsburgh was in Lane's succoring 
brigade, Capt. Alexander Hay ^ originally, but succeeded soon 
after arriving in Mexico by ist Lieut. James O'Hara Denny* 
and he in turn by Capt. William A. Charlton, and this com- 
pany was particularly gallant at Huamantla. 

Alexander Hays, thus found among the relieved garrison 
of Puebla many of his subsequent townsmen and warm 
friends. There were Richard C. Drum of Greensburg, a 
private in the Greys, promoted second lieutenant in the Ninth 
U. S. Infantry, who died a few years ago; in the great war 
assistant adjutant-general, U. S. A., and brevet brigadier-gen- 
eral, U. S. A. ; Third Sergeant Robert Anderson, colonel of the 
Ninth Pennsylvania Reserves ; Fourth Sergeant Charles W. 
Hambright, colonel of the 79th Pennsylvania Volunteers dur- 
ing the War of the Rebellion ; Private Norton McGiflfin, 
afterwards Lieut. Hays' superior officer as lieutenant-colonel 
of the I2th Pennsylvania Volunteers in 1861 ; Private James 
S. Negley, later Major-General James S. Negley, and in com- 
mand of the 5th Brigade, Pennsylvania troops in the three 
months service. Private John Poland, major of the 102nd 
Regiment, killed at Malvern Hill, was in the ranks with the 
"Greys," but Private Oliver H. Rippey, colonel of the 6ist 
Pennsylvania, who fell at Fair Oaks, had been detailed and 
had gone on with Scott's army, so that of the three Pittsburgh 
colonels of the 6ist, 62nd and 63rd Pennsylvania regiments, 
and all slain in the great war, only two met in Puebla when 
"Joe" Lane fought his way there. In the "Jackson Blues" 
there were also Pittsburghers destined to know and esteem 
Alexander Hays in higher rank. There were James C. Hull, 
fourth sergeant, a boy of 19, who was lieutenant-colonel of 
the 62nd Pennsylvania after the death of peerless Black, Hull, 
too, slain, at Laurel Hill, Va., May 8, 1864; and Private James 
T. Shannon, captain of Company C. 9th Pennsylvania 
Reserves, who fell at Second Bull Run. 

1 Alexander Hay too often confounded by careless writers with 
Alexander Hays. 



82 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Pittsburgh furnished three other companies : The Hibern- 
ian Greens, Capt. Robert Porter, which was Company I of the 
2nd Regiment under Colonel Geary with Scott's army. Capt. 
P. N. Guthrie's was in the nth U. S. Infantry and Capt. 
Thomas A. Rowley's company was assigned to Colonel 
Hughes' Maryland and the District of Columbia regiment 
and all of these troops lost heavily in the war.^ 

The companies of Capt. Small and Capt. Herron had been 
most gallant in the besieged citadels, making several sorties 
and driving the enemy. Shortly before the relieving column 
arrived, two companies of the ist Pennsylvania, Hill's and 
Herron's, under Colonel "Sam" Black, marched down the 
main street of Puebla to silence a well-sustained fire of the 
enemy, and join the battalion of the regiment coming up with 
Lane. Before the approach of Black's battalion a company of 
lancers were seen retiring. Capt. Herron was ordered to 
march around a square and cut off their retreat but another 
company of lancers was coming in his front, and with one in 
the rear, Herron was completely hemmed in. The "Greys" 
fired a quick volley into the foe, killing and wounding many, 
but the enemy immediately closed in. The loud clashing of 
the lances against the American bayonets at close quarters, 
brought Colonel Black and Capt. Hill's company to the rescue, 
but not before 13 out of 30 men in Herron's company had 
been killed and nine wounded, including the captain and but 
for the timely arrival of Black, fortunately nearby, the 
"Duquesne Greys" of Pittsburgh on that day would have been 
wiped out. 

All of the glorious deeds of Childs' men cannot be 
mentioned. Colonel Black was in command at San Jose and 
Capt. Morehead at the convent of Guadelope. The siege of 
Puebla was the most protracted event in the war, and it is 
almost incredible that so small a force could hold out so long 
against such odds. Childs' little band had suffered to the 
extent of 87 before Lane came, and the enemy's losses were 

1 For rosters vide "History of the Mexican War," C. M. Wilcox, 
Eleventh Infantry, P. 643; Pennsylvania regiments, P. 685; Mary- 
land, 672. Thomas A. Rowley was colonel of the 13th Pennsylvania 
Volunteers in 1861, in the three months service, later colonel of the 
102nd Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, both of which he or- 
ganized in Pittsburgh. He commanded the Third Division, First 
Corps, at Gettysburg, on the first day, and attained the full rank 
of brigadier-general of volunteers. He died in Pittsburgh, May 
14, 1891. 



Lane's Brigade in Mexico 83 

estimated at over 500. The gallant Childs perished six years 
later of cholera at Fort Brooke, Fla. He was brevetted briga- 
dier-general, U. S. A., for his services at Puebla. 

Atlixco is the next name on the list of the Mexican 
engagements in which Lieut. Alexander Hays was present. 
Atlixco is a town in the State of Puebla and the engagement 
there is mentioned in Brantz Mayer's account of Lane's 
operations in Central Mexico previously referred to.^ This 
engagement took place October 19th, 10 days after Huamantla. 
The affair was an inspiriting one. The enemy had con- 
tested every practical position of the road leading to the town, 
and routed and driven from each of these with loss, by the 
cavalry under the command of Capts. Ford and Lewis, they 
lined the hedges and house tops on the outskirts of the town, 
and discharged repeated volleys of small arms as the head of 
the infantry column approached. Darkness coming on and 
the plan of the town being unknown to Lane, the enemy 
apparently being in force with artillery, the general with the 
concurrence and approbation of all his field officers near him 
at the time, ordered the artillery to open and continue firing 
until the enemy's musketry was silenced. Even under such 
circumstances the town was not surrendered until the Amer- 
icans entered in force. There was every evidence that the 
Mexicans made use of the churches and their appendent 
buildings as barracks and even concealed cannon in a church. 
The loss of the Mexicans commanded by General Rea in and 
around Atlixco was 219 killed and over 300 wounded, while 
Lane lost but 3 ; i private killed, i wounded and i missing. 
Lane returned to Puebla October 2ist.2 

The siege of Puebla is officially mentioned by the com- 
mander-in-chief.' 

1 "Mexico: Aztec, Spanish, Republican;" P. 422. "The United 
States and Mexico," Geo. L. Rives, Vol. II.; PP. 573,574- "Notes of 
the Mexican War," J. J. Oswandel; P. 366. 

2 General Ripley deigned to notice this affair. He says: "Rea 
fled to Matamoras, 11 leagues distant, with two pieces of artillery" 
"War With Mexico," R. S. Ripley, Vol. II.; P. 508. 

3 Vide "Autobiography of Lieut.-General Scott," Vol. II ; P 
550; Vide Senate documents, Thirtieth Congress, first session; 471- 
475; "War With Mexico," R. S. Ripley, Vol. II.; P. 491; "History 
of Mexico," Hubert Howe Bancroft, Vol. V.; P. 528; "The United 
States and Mexico," Geo. L. Rives; PP. 570-574; "Notes of the 
Mexican War," Oswandel; PP. 248-346, a full account from a pri- 
vate's diary. "Mexico, etc.," History of Nations series. Lodge. Vol 
XXII.; PP. 272-273. 



84 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"Retiring from the capital, Santa Anna collected several 
fragments of his late army and laid siege to Puebla, the gar- 
rison of which being considerably less than was intended; 
for, although on advancing from that city I gave the strictest 
orders that all convalescents as well as the sick should be 
left behind, about 600 of the former imposed themselves upon 
their medical and company officers as entirely restored to 
health. For stationary or garrison duty they would have 
been fully qualified, but proved a burden to the advancing 
columns ; for they soon began to break down and to creep 
into the subsistence wagons faster than these were lightened 
by the consumption of the troops. The siege was prosecuted 
with considerable vigor for 28 days and nobly repulsed by 
our able and distinguished commander. Colonel Childs with 
his gallant but feeble garrison, at all points and at every 
assault. During these arduous and protracted operations the 
glory of our arms was nobly supported by officers and men. 
Colonel Childs especially commends by name — and no doubt 
justly — the skill, zeal and prowess of Lieut. -Colonel Black and 
Capt. Small, both of the Pennsylvania Volunteers ; and the 
highly accomplished Capt. Kendrick [now professor] L'. S. 
4th Artillery, chief of that arm." ^ 

General Scott has not a word of Lane and his succoring 
brigade. Lane was a "hot Democrat," so to speak, and Scott 
a Whig. Scott did not love the administration, and says so in 
his autobiography. 

With Lane there were over 4,000 American troops in 
Puebla of whom 1,000 were sick, leaving 3,000 effectives, so 
that Lane had opportunity to make expeditions and still leave 
a sufficient garrison. 

October 29th, General Lane made a descent upon Tlas- 
cala.* Tlascala is a small city in the territory of the same 
name, in 1847 'i" independent territory. Here Cortez fought 
and conquered the Tlascalians who joined him thereafter in 
his conquest of the Aztecs. The action at Tlascala was 
fought November Qth and the troops engaged were 20 picked 
men from each company of the Ohio and Indiana regiments, 
400 in all, under command of Lieut. -Colonel Dumont, and 
two companies of mounted men ; riflemen and cavalry, Gen- 
eral Lane accompanying. The object of the expedition was 

1 Capt. Kendrick was professor of chemistry, mineralogy and 
geology at West Point during Alexander Hays' cadet course and 
again in 1857, where he remained for a number of years. His 
regiment, however, was the 2nd Artillery. 

2 Mayer's spelling — Tlascala — West Point records and geograph- 
ers "Tlaxcala." 



Lane's Brigade in Mexico 85 

the recapture of a rich train belonging to Mexican merchants, 
taken by Rea. Some of Rea's men, having abandoned their 
horses on Lane's arrival in the tow^n, hastily hid in the houses, 
but were hunted out and there was much firing in the streets! 
most of the enemy as usual getting away, though a number 
were killed. Much live stock and 50 mustangs were captured, 
also some guerrillas. The Indiana troops lost two men in this 
affair. The combatants were vastly disproportionate but the 
boldness and promptness of the Americans won. The expedi- 
tion returned to Puebla on the nth of November. 

Lane's forces were soon after reinforced by five companies 
of Texan rangers under command of the celebrated Colonel 
"Jack" Hays, between whom and Lieut. Alexander Hays a 
warm attachment sprang up. John CofTee Hays was about 
the same age as his friend Alexander Hays, having been born 
in 1818 in Wilson County, Tennessee. In 1837 he removed 
to Texas, and in 1840 became a major in the service of that 
republic and this service was on the frontier against the 
Indians. With Samuel H. Walker as lieutenant-colonel, he 
had fought bravely under Taylor, but only part of his regi- 
ment was under Scott, the balance having been left on the Rio 
Grande. After the war. "Jack" Hays joined the throngs 
hastening to California, where, in 1850, Alexander Hays 
speaks of meeting him in San Francisco, and in 1854 Brackett 
states he was surveyor general of the state, as he was by pro- 
fession a surveyor and had followed it at San Antonio, Texas, 
previous to his military career. He was a strict disciplinarian 
and had a characteristic and odd appearing command, without 
uniforms, armed with rifles, pistols and revolvers, and they 
could use them effectually. "Jack" Hays had an adventurous 
career previous to the war with Mexico. He once told Alex- 
ander Hays, in his quiet way. that of a company of 90 men 
in which he had served in the Texan revolution, at that time 
[1847], there were but three survivors. 

Colonel "Jack" Hays' men thought particularly well of 
Alexander Hays, for they presented him with a handsome 
sword which is still in the possession of his children, yet a 
cherished souvenir of Mexico, and a proof of brave men's 
appreciation. 

November 22nd, General Lane received information that 
the Mexicans were assembling in force at Matamoras in the 
State of Puebla, and on that evening he set out with 160 



86 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

mounted men, rangers, riflemen and cavalry, Colonel "Jack" 
Hays', Capt. Roberts' company, and Lewis' Louisiana cavalry, 
and one cannon with a squad under Lieut. Horace B. Field. 
Though it was a rainy night, the distance, 54 miles, was 
accomplished by morning and a rapid and impetuous charge 
made into the town, carrying everything before it, killing the 
Mexican commander and some other officers, capturing three 
cannon and a large number of smaller arms and quantities of 
ammunition, and many horses, and releasing 21 American 
soldiers who were prisoners. Most of the ammunition was 
destroyed because it could not be taken away. On the return 
to Puebla the next day, the 24th, while moving with difficulty 
through the long mountain pass called Galaxara, about five 
miles from Matamoras, the small train being somewhat 
extended, the enemy, a heavy body of lancers, appeared in 
front. The rangers having got busy with their rifles and small 
arms, were charged by the enemy before they could reload, 
but they retired cooly. The affair was soon brought to an 
end by several discharges of grape and canister from the 
single cannon, fired by the general with a lighted cigar. Lane 
had four men killed and four wounded. Among the killed 
was Lieut. Henderson Ridgeley, Fourth Infantry, a Marylander, 
appointed from civil life, who was killed in a charge upon the 
enemy. In 60 hours energetic "Joe" Lane had traveled 120 
miles, fought and defeated the enemy twice, and broke up 
their depots so that they abandoned Matamoras as they had 
Atlixco. 

A similar expedition was made on the night of December 
5th, consisting of four companies of the 4th Indiana with 
Lieut. -Colonel Dumont in command of the battalion, and 
Lewis' cavalry. Lane as usual accompanying the command, 
which marched seven miles towards Chohula to a hacienda 
where, in the midst of a fearful storm, a band of guerrillas 
were surprised and a hot fight took place in which Lieut. 
Brackett had a close call from being killed by a blow on the 
head which rendered him hors de combat for some time. The 
guerrillas were completely routed, 14 being killed, three 
wounded and seven captured. Two Indiana men were killed. 
Thirty horses, many lances, sabers and other arms were cap- 
tured in this guerrilla den. The Mexican dead were piled in 
a heap and everything inflammable about the ranch was put 
to the torch. Lane and his little band were back in Puebla 



Lane's Brigade in Mexico 87 

at 9 o'clock in the morning. This was a sample fight of dash- 
ing "Joe" Lane and his method of warfare. 

In the voluminous and scholarly work of Brantz Mayer 
on Mexico, the expedition of Lane's brigade is succinctly told 
on a single page. But Historian Mayer could have said much 
more, for his brief page does Lane scant justice.^ 

There is yet in possession of the Hays family, a Mexican 
lance, captured by Alexander Hays himself and most probably 
here, where the conflict was close. It is of record that Lieut. 
Alexander Hays was in all these engagements ; wherever 
Lane was, Alexander Hays was close by. 

For some weeks after the expedition of December 5th, 
afifairs in Puebla were quiet. Generals William O. Butler and 
Robert Patterson arrived with fresh troops and proceeded to 
the capital taking all of Lane's regulars with them. Lane 
himself went to the City of Mexico on December 14th and 
remained a month. A strong force was kept at Puebla. The 
city was infested with guerrillas who shot down Americans 
whenever opportunity presented. Such murders were fre- 
quent ; often in the streets. Summary measures failed to 
prevent these outrages. 

Alexander Hays while at Puebla, had opportunity to 
making the acquaintance of the subsequently renowned Elisha 
Kent Kane, then a surgeon in the United States navy, who 
was lying wounded in Puebla, having received a severe wound 
in saving the life of the Mexican General Gaona, a prisoner in 
the hands of Colonel Dominguez and his "Contra guerrillas," a 
choice collection of cut-throats warring against their kindred 
and kind. Dominguez and his men had been assigned as a 
bodyguard for Dr. Kane, who was a bearer of dispatches to 
General Scott. For a time Kane's life was despaired of.^ 

On the i8th. General Lane moved out from the City of 
Mexico with four companies of Colonel "Jack" Hays' rangers, 
two companies of the Third Dragoons, and a company of 
mounted riflemen under Major William H. Polk of Tennes- 
see, a brother of the President — a secret expedition under 
special orders of General Scott. In numbers these troops were 
about 350 men. They reached Puebla on the 20th, Lieut.- 
Colonel Dumont and a few mounted soldiers of the 4th Indiana 

1 "Mexico: Aztec, Spanish, Republican;" P. 422. 

2 "Lane's Brigade in Central Mexico," Brackett; P. 222, et seq. 



88 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

were allowed to join the expedition, also Capt. Pugh of the 4th 
Ohio, the latter serving as an aide-de-camp to General Lane, 
and among others of the staff was Lieut. Alexander Hays. 

After dark on the next day, in a chilling rain, the little 
command marched out of Puebla. The night was intensely 
dark, and the men were surprised to find themselves on the 
national road moving east, but when Amasoque was reached, 
the general took a new and strange road to all but himself; 
a broad highway, that in 10 miles became little better than a 
mule path, and the horses were soon going over bare and 
ragged limestone rock. At 5 A. M., the command reached 
the village of Santa Clara, at the foot of a range of mountains, 
and took up quarters in a hacienda, having come 40 miles. 
Here General Lane stated that the object of the expedition 
was the capture of Santa Anna, of whom the general had 
information, and that he was at Tehuacan with 150 men. In 
order to keep the expedition a secret, every Mexican at the 
hacienda was put under arrest and kept close until evening, 
when the Americans, upon departing, released them, thinking 
they had done the wise thing [and they had at that time] 
and in the fervent hope that they would soon have the wily 
Santa Anna in custody. Tehuacan was 40 miles away. 

The party were not long on their way when, before the 
moon arose, the general and staff in advance, in a deep and 
narrow cut, rode into a party of eight armed Mexicans who 
were immediately disarmed. In the rear was a carriage from 
which stepped a Mexican gentleman with a passport from 
General Smith to travel with his escort from Mexico to Ori- 
zaba and back. The escort's arms were then returned, and 
the cavalcade suffered to proceed. It turned out that this was 
a most unfortunate meeting for General Lane. 

It was Lane's intention to get to Tehuacan by two in 
the morning, thinking the 40 miles could be traversed in 
seven hours, but he had no knowledge of the nature of the 
road, and depended upon his Mexican guide, who was faithful 
but uneasy all the way, and much to Lane's distrust. Jaded 
horses gave signs that they must not be pushed, and the road 
was rocky and uneven. In consequence, slow progress was 
made despite the urgent and repeated requests of the 
guide to hurry. When within five miles of Tehuacan, positive 
information having been obtained by the guide that Santa 
Anna was there, a halt was made of an hour and this, while 



Lane's Brigade in Mexico 89 

necessary from a humane sense, was fatal to the success of 
the expedition. 

A silent march ensued, though the country about was 
most impressive. A steep precipice arose on the right, on 
the left a chapparal ; between the column and the town, a 
range of high mountains, and through the gorges could at 
times in the moonlight be discerned the snowy and brilliant 
peak of Orizaba. Here was a mere handful of men in an 
enemy's country, 80 to 100 miles from reinforcements, tread- 
ing strange roads that never before knew the presence of 
American arms, and the presumption was not untenable that 
the enemy might have received intelligence of their advance 
and collected a formidable force, but everyone in Lane's little 
force was a fighter. They had confidence in their general, an 
abiding confidence in his sagacity and skill, as well as a full 
knowledge of his bravery. 

When day broke. Lane's men were but half a mile from 
the town. A solitary gun was heard, and then rapidly moving 
lights seen, and the expectation of success became almost 
supreme. The bird was there and caged. The "rifles" and 
dragoons dashed pell mell into the town, deploying right and 
left, and in a few minutes every outlet was stopped. There 
was no enemy in sight. Lane's men glanced at t+ie house 
tops warily. No hostile shots greeted them. They formed 
in squads and galloped through the streets. No enemy was 
found, and soon the entire command had the extreme mor- 
tification to learn that Santa Anna, always a good runner, 
was two hours on his way to Oajaca with an escort of only 
75 lancers. 

There was ample evidence that the coming of the Amer- 
icans was known, for from the residences of foreigners were 
hung out their national flags, and from the residences of the 
Mexicans, white flags were suspended, and Lane and his 
hardy band learned, with increased chagrin, that the Mexican, 
whose escort they had released, had sent a servant by a short 
route over the mountains, and Santa Anna was warned in 
time, and thus, by the treachery of a man traveling under an 
American safeguard, Lane was completely foiled. 

The pursuit was given up, the general wisely arguing 
that the doughty Mexican was alarmed, and to pursue him in 
his own haunts, where his forces might accumulate, and on 



90 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

roads unknown to the Americans, would be seeking danger 
with scarcely a probability of success. 

Santa Anna had departed so suddenly that he left his 
wardrobe behind, and Lane's men possessed themselves of all 
his military property, his costly canes, his field glass, and 
three trunks of lady's clothing, the latter being turned over 
to the Alcalde of the town as the property of Santa Anna's 
wife, and a receipt taken for them, and a letter to Santa Anna 
so stating. 

January 24th, General Lane left Tehuacan for Orizaba 
and halted in the evening at the village of Acalcingo, situated 
at the base of the intervening mountains, and on the afternoon 
of the 25th, entered the city of Orizaba — in the best part of 
Mexico, in the famous valley of the same name, part of the 
State of Vera Cruz.^ 

On the 28th General Lane, with three companies of 
"Jack" Hays' Texans, and a company of dragoons, marched to 
Cordova, also in the state of Vera Cruz, 20 miles from Ori- 
zaba. On the way, meeting a party of armed Mexicans, a 
short conflict ensued in which the Mexicans were put to the 
usual flight. Lieut. Alexander Hays accompanied this small 
expedition. 

On hearing that Colonel Bankhead, with a large American 
force, was on his way to Cordova, General Lane returned to 
Orizaba where Major Polk exercised the functions of gov- 
ernor until January 31st. Lane returned to Puebla February 
3rd. Lieut. Alexander Hays and the other officers with Lane 
were complimented in his official report. On the way back, 
the command experienced some very cold weather in the 
mountains. 

Previous to the departure of Lane in quest of Santa 
Anna, Brigadier-General Thomas F. Marshall had arrived in 
Puebla with his brigade on the way to the capital. Among these 
troops was a battalion of the Fifth Infantry under Major 
Dixon S. Miles, who had distinguished himself at the siege 
of Fort Brown, and who surrendered Harper's Ferry to the 
Confederates in September, 1862, where he met his death. 

January 11, 1848, Major Generals David E. Twiggs and 

1 Tehuacan and Orizaba, vide "War With Mexico," Ripley; 
PP. 578, 579, and escape of Santa Anna, ibid; P. 580; also "Story 
of Mexico," Susan Hale, P. 340. "History of the Mexican War," 
Wilcox, P. 527. "United States and Mexico," Rives, P. 575; "His- 
tory of Mexico," Bancroft, Vol. V., P. 533, footnote. 



Lane's Brigade in Mexico 91 

Franklin Pierce arrived from Mexico, Pierce on his way 
home, and about this time a young officer, was assigned to 
the brigade, and Alexander Hays met an old antagonist in 
the person of 2nd Lieut. William L. Crittenden, Plrst Infantry, 
who had been in service with Taylor on Texas soil and was 
now returning from recruiting service and duty at Vera Cruz. 
Mention has been made of Crittenden's fate in the chapter of 
West Point graduates.^ 

February 4th, a fight occurred on the road between 
Puebla and Amasoque. Lally's cavalry overtook a force of 
guerrillas reported to be in the vicinity, and made short work 
of them. Two rounds of musketry were enough; 15 were 
killed and the rest captured, and three of these, convicted of 
murder, were hung in the plaza in Puebla on the 8th of Febru- 
ary, with the troops drawn up in a hollow square. This 
execution caused a panic among the thousands of spectators 
and a thrilling scene ensued but there was no outbreak. 
February 27th, Capt. Herrman Kessler of the 4th Ohio [then 
in command of a provisional battery of two guns], with two 
privates was brutally murdered by guerrillas while on their 
way to the capital. Lieut.-Colonel Moor and two companions 
fought their way out of the ambush and were saved by the 
efiforts of General Torrejon, then a paroled prisoner. The 
affair happening a few miles from Torrejon's home, he con- 
trived also to send word to Puebla — and Moor and his 
companions were saved. Capt. Kessler, a Saxon, had been 
classmate of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, at 
Dresden. Kessler was an accomplished soldier and an artist 
of marked ability. He had designed and completed a beau- 
tiful medal, a tribute from the officers of the brigade to 
General Lane, and was on his way to present it. The medal 
with all his other effects was taken from his shockingly 
mutilated body. This affair was but incidental to the danger- 
ous service of American troops in Mexico, and the years since 
have brought no change in Mexican methods of warfare. 
Alexander Hays was a subscriber to the Lane medal but at 
the time was absent with his chief on the expedition to 
Sequaltiplan.^ The official report of General Lane of this 

iVide ante, Chapter III; P. 24. 

2 This place is spelled "Zacultaplan" on General Hays' monu- 
ment at Pittsburgh. Lane spells it Ciqualtiplan, West Point records 
"Sequaltiplan." 



92 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

expedition to Major-General Butler who succeeded General 
Scott in command February 19th, is as follows : 

"Mexico, March 3rd, 1848. 

"Sir — I have the honor to submit for the information and 
consideration of the commander-in-chief, the following report 
of the late expedition of the mounted troops under my com- 
mand against the guerrillas infesting the country north and 
northeast of this city. 

"In obedience to my instructions, I left this city February 
17th with 250 Texas rangers under command of Colonel 
Hays; 130 men of the Third Dragoons and rifles, commanded 
by Major Polk, and the company of contra-guerrillas of 
Colonel Dominguez, for the purpose of scouring the moun- 
tainous country north of the Rio Frio. I followed the main 
road leading to Vera Cruz, as far as the hacienda of San 
Felipe ; and returning from thence several miles, I deflected 
to the right in the direction of Tulancingo — in which place, 
from reliable information, I had reason to believe I would 
find General Paredes, also Almonte, and the famous guerrilla 
chief, Padre Jarauta, with a considerable force. I arrived at 
Tulancingo on the morning of the 22nd and attempted, by 
rapid movement of a small portion of my force, to surprise 
the town ; but information had preceded me, and all the force 
of the enemy left in consequence — Jarauta having left several 
days before. General Paredes alone remained and escaped 
by a mere miracle, and our ignorance of the localities. To 
his family, which remained, and to all the inhabitants of the 
place, the utmost courtesy and protection was afforded, as 
far as it was within the power of my officers. 

"Early on the morning of the 23rd, Major Polk, with a 
small detachment of his command, proceeded to a large haci- 
enda, about a league distant from Tulancingo, where General 
Paredes was reported to have taken refuge. Paredes was not 

found. 
*********** 

"From further reliable information received, that Jaurata 
had retired with his whole force to the town of Sequaltiplan, 
situated in the mountains, about 75 miles north of Tulancingo, 
I left the latter place, sending the sick in charge of Colonel 
Dominguez to the City of Mexico, and arrived, after a forced 
march, immediately after daybreak on the 25th, in the vicinity 
of Sequaltiplan. 

"With the Texas rangers in advance. I marched my force 
with a rapid charge down the town. Near the suburbs, a 
heavy fire was opened on the rangers from a quartel to the 
right, which was immediately returned with fatal effect 
from their unerring rifles. One company remained to keep 
the enemy in check, the remainder marched forward to the 



Lane's Brigade in Mexico 93 



main plaza, receiving a fire from both sides of tfie street. 
Passing through the plaza accompanied by Lieuts. Hays and 
Haslett and several of the Texans, I found some 300 yards 
beyond another quartel, from which a fire was opened upon 
us; another force of the enemy's lancers was discovered 
beyond, and believing our force too small to contend with the 
whole of the enemy should a combined attack be made upon 
us, although I had been joined by Capt. Daggett of the 
rangers, with several of his company, I dispatched my aid, 
Lieut. Alexander Hays, who soon returned with a reinforce- 
ment of rangers. The fire of the enemy from the quartel 
having redoubled, I ordered the Texans to dismount, when 
the conflict became more animated and equal. The distance 
between the combatants was at no time more than 30 feet, 
and frequently muzzle to muzzle, until it became necessary 
to make a charge to dislodge the enemy from his position. 
I consequently ordered a charge, which was gallantly led by 
the oilficers and promptly followed by the men, driving the 
enemy before them, until they took refuge in the quartel, dis- 
puting, however, every inch of the ground. Here the contest 
became most desperate, although brief ; the doors were forced 
and the superiority of our men and arms was soon shown in 
the termination of the conflict. About 30 of the enemy, 
including several officers, were killed and several taken prison- 
ers, while many escaped through a passage in the rear, 
unknown to us. 

"I am extremely gratified to be able to report our loss as 
so trifling — .being but one probably mortally, and five slightly 
wounded; while on the part of the enemy, not less than 150 
were killed, including Padre Martinez, second in command, 
and several officers whose names have not been ascertained ; 
in wounded his loss is considerable, including Colonel Mon- 
tagna, mortally, with 50 prisoners, three commissioned officers 
and three Americans, believed to be deserters. 

"For the prompt and efficient support which I received 
from every offiicer of my command during the expedition, I 
beg leave to tender my heartfelt thanks ; and of each non- 
commissioned officer and soldier I must say that they bore 
themselves with that distinction which ever characterizes the 
American soldier. 



"Lieut. Alexander Hays, Eighth Infantry. A. A. A. Gen., 
needed not this occasion to signalize his bravery, coolness 
and devotion to his duties. His behavior in every emergency 
added, if possible, new honors. 

"I regret to state that during the engagement, in the 

incessant firing, fire was accidentally communicated to the 

thatched roof of one of the houses, and which finally spread 
over a large portion of the town. 



94 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"Leaving Sequaltiplan on the morning of the 26th, I 
returned to this city on the ist inst. 

"Respectfully submitted, 

"Joseph Lane, Brigadier-General." 
"To Major L. Thomas, 

"Assistant Adjutant-General, City of Mexico." ^ 

General Scott mentions two previous attempts to capture 
Jarauta — one by Colonel Wynkoop and the other by Colonel 
"Jack" Hays, of the latter he says : 

"Colonel Hays ["Jack"], with a detachment of Texan 
rangers, returned last night from a distant expedition in 
search of the robber priest. In the skirmish without a loss 
on his part, he killed some eight of Jarauta's men and thinks 
that the priest was carried off among the many wounded." ^ 

No doubt many have wondered at the strange names that 
meet the eye on the monument of Alexander Hays in the 
Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh. It seems but appropriate 
here to go fully into the service of General Hays in Mexico 
as proper history, and showing how arduous and exciting that 
service was.^ To such a soldier as Alexander Hays, this 
service must have been most thrilling and that it was appre- 
ciated, the following official communications bear complete 
evidence : 

The first is a communication reproduced from the orig- 
inal manuscript, and addressed to President Polk shortly 
before Lieut. Hays' resignation. 

The second appreciation is found in the following copy 
of an original manuscript report of the action at Sequaltiplan, 
written by Capt. George E. Pugh, 4th Ohio Volunteers, aid 
to General Lane, and part of a report to that officer of the 
operations in the Sequaltiplan expedition : 

"Lieut. Alexander Hays, Eighth Infantry, A. A. A. G., 
needed not this occasion to signalize his bravery, coolness, 
and devotion to his duties. His behavior in every emergency 
added, if possible, new honors. He entered one of the quartels 
first, under my own eye, gallantly calling upon the men to 

1 "Lane's Brigade In Mexico;" P. 262, et seq. 

2 "Autobiography of Lieut. -General Scott," Vol. IL; P. 569. 
Most historians of the war give space to Jarauta and his deeds — 
Bancroft, Rives, et al. 

3 Colonel Brackett records that upon leaving Mexico for home, 
46 men of his company of the 4th Indiana, out of an enrollment of 
90 were absent — nearly all dead within a year. 



Lane's Brigade in Mexico 95 

follow him, firing rapidly with his own hand. I beg leave to 
recommend him in the strongest manner to the notice of the 
major-general commanding, and of the War Department." 

Honorable William L. Marcy, Secretary of War, in his 
annual reports of December 3, 1847, ^"^ December i, 1848, 
gives considerable space to the operations, and high praise to 
Lane and his gallant brigade. May 29, 1848, the news of the 
treaty of peace reached Puebla, and Lane's brigade had been 
broken up in April, hence the volunteers started at once for 
the coast. Lieut. Alexander Hays had resigned his commis- 
sion, April 12, 1848, and previously departed. ^ 

Concerning General Alexander Hays' service in Mexico, 
General Longstreet says : 

"Hays was detached from the Eighth when Scott 
advanced into the valley of Mexico, but was engaged in several 
severe affairs in defence of convoys of supplies to the front, 
and also at Huamantla and Sequaltiplan. After that war was 
over he resigned, but in 1861 immediately sought service 
again, and soon rose to the command of a Union division. 
His division contributed materially to the repulse of Long- 
street's attack at Gettysburg on July 3rd. But poor Hays was 
killed in front of Longstreet's lines at the Wilderness in 1864, 
the first battle in Virginia after his old comrade. Grant, had 
assumed command of the Union armies. Such was the for- 
tune of war of the civil struggle." ^ 

It cannot be doubted that Alexander Hays exhibited in 
Mexico much of that dash and daring for which he was after- 
wards distinguished in the great war. A man of stalwart 
frame, six feet in height, his complexion light and his beard 
inclined to be red, Alexander Hays early earned the sobriquet, 
"Sandy." These terms of familiarity were common at West 

1 General Wilcox in his History of the Mexican War," describes 
the country which Lane's expedition passed with special mention 
of the National Bridge, The Rio San Pablo; P. 279; Santa Fe, 270; 
Plan del Rio, PP. 281, 282, etc. Naturally much in detail of 
Perote, Jalapa and Puebla. His map of the country though small, 
P. 271, is good. A good map of this part of Mexico can also be 
found in the "Life of Robert E. Lee," by Henry A. White, P. 36. 
"History of Mexico," Bancroft, Vol. V.; P. 577. If further inter- 
ested, read "Notes of the Mexican War," the diary of a private 
soldier, J. J. Oswandel. 

2 Vide "Lee and Longstreet at High Tide," Part HI. "Longstreet 
on the Fields of Mexico," P. 130. General Hays was not killed in 
front of Longstreet's line, but in front of A. P. Hill's, Longstreet 
not having come up until the next morning. Vide "Virginia Cam- 
paign of 1864-65" General A. A. Humphreys; PP. 33, 3 4, and 35; 
also the "Union Army," Vol. VI., "Cyclopedia of Battles," PP. 930- 
931. 



96 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Point and in the army. It is well known that Ulysses S. 
Grant was immediately nicknamed "Uncle Sam" and the 
"Uncle" soon dropped as superfluous, the great general was 
just "Sam" Grant, and even Robert E. Lee knew him thus. 
James Longstreet was "Pete," and there were many like cases. 
Alexander Hays could measure up well to the renowned Capt. 
May. who stood six feet four in his stockings, as genial and 
clever as he was brave and large, and both men could in one 
sense look down on Randolph Ridgeley, beardless and small 
in stature, only to recognize a fitting companion in spirit and 
dash. 

Alexander Hays' associations in the war with Mexico 
were such as would forever instill in him the spirit of the old 
army and in Mexico, Alexander Hays was moulded into the 
ideal soldier, to become the loved and successful commander 
on greater fields. 

When Alexander Hays parted with his comrades and 
fellow officers in Puebla, among others he bade goodbye to 
Brevet Major George Taylor and Brevet Capt. Horace B. 
Field of the Third Artillery; both graduates of West Point, 
and both in service with Lane's brigade. Their fate is tersely 
told in Cullum's Register, the same lines applying to each 
record, to-wit : 

"On a voyage to California on the Steamer San Francisco, 
1853. from which he was washed overboard. December 24th, 
during a violent storm which swept off four officers and 180 
men of the Third Artillery and several others, all of whom 
perished with him save two." 

These two men were washed aboard on a returning wave. 
This wreck has been immortalized in the poem of the ship, 
"Three Bells of Glasgow." Major Taylor's wife perished 
with him. Major Taylor had been assistant professor of 
mathematics at West Point, 1842-1843, and taught Alexander 
1 lays there. 

On the authority of General Cullum, Second Lieut. 
Ambrose P. Hill, First Artillery, was present in action at 
Huamantla and Atlixco. Lieut. George T. Anderson of Capt. 
Loyall's Independent Georgia Company of Mounted Volun- 
teers, was conspicuous at Huamantla for bravery. Lieut. 
Anderson was one of Longstreet's brigadiers during the Civil 
War.^ Mindful of the stirring days in Mexico. Alexander 

1 Vide "History of the Mexican War," Wilcox; P. 498. 



Lane's Brigade in Mexico 97 

Hays in his letters home, wrote truly from the field of Gettys- 
burg that he was opposed to the commands of his old 
comrades in Mexico.^ 

The operations of General Joseph Lane in Mexico are 
admitted to have been of the most brilliant character.^ By 
them he had won the appellation — the "Marion of the War;" 
a high compliment indeed. Lane was an original, not an 
imitator. He has been, by his admirers, likened to his name- 
sake, the great Marshal Lannes. In the vim, perseverance 
and daring of "Joe" Lane and his men, there is much to 
admire. Alexander Hays' lot was not an unhappy one under 
such a leader. There comes also to mind besides heroism, the 
conditions of this service, which arouse more ardent admira- 
tion. The toilsome marches, at times footsteps of the men 
tracked in blood, the cheerless nights, made more dreary by 
cold and pelting storms, the burning tropical sun, the mad- 
dening thirst, the ever-attendant danger of death from hidden, 
malignant, and cowardly foes.^ The war with Mexico was a 
little one, fought by small armies. Alexander Hays himself 
afterwards commanded more men than Zachary Taylor, and 
nearly as many as Scott when he entered the "Halls of the 
Montezumas." Had William T. Sherman been in Mexico, 
he would have found enough to warrant him in making his 
celebrated definition of war and perhaps it would have been 
thus given to the world earlier, for war in Mexico was cer- 
tainly "hell," as Sherman understood it.* 

1 For field and company ofllicers of the 4th and 8th Infantry 
and their records, vide Appendix E. 

2 They seem to have impressed more than one liistorian of note. 
Vide "Battles of America, by Sea and Land," Robert Tomes; P. 507, 
et seq. They are given due mention by that great historian, Hubert 
Howe Bancroft, and by Geo. L. Rives in his recent book, "The 
United States and Mexico," q. v. 

3 Casualties during General Lane's operations were as follows: 
Killed, 7 officers, 81 men, 10 teamsters. Wounded, 11 officers, 134 
men, 8 teamsters. Missing, 27 men. Totals, 98 killed, 153 wounded, 
27 missing. Grand total, 278. 

4 The bibliography of the Mexican war is large — some of it 
now rare. The editor has consulted what was available. No re- 
course could be had to the works of Brooks, Frost, Jay, Jenkins, 
Maury and Semmes. At best their stories would be corroborative. 
The "Notes on the Mexican War," by Jacob J. Oswandel, a private 
and corporal in Capt. Small's Company C, 1st Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers, are full and complete in the account of the happenings in 
and about Puebla, and contain much mention also of General Lane, 
Capt. Walker, and Lane's expeditions. These notes were published 
by the author in 1885. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

ACROSS THE PLAINS 

EIGHTEEN FORTY-NINE was an eventful year in 
United States history. It was a year that made as 
great history as any year in the annals of time, and 
looking back throughout the years since, one can still read 
in the four figures the four letters — G O L D — gold, in then 
far-ofT California, gold in plenty, gold for the picking up, 
and the world listened amazed, and then there came a new 
settlement because of gold, and a most wonderful — a most 
thrilling story of the birth of a new state, whose motto was 
"Eureka," and the nation had stretched from shore to shore. 
And that new state was to become mighty as an empire, in 
spite of the lure of gold and the base humanity that crowded 
the golden shore in its quest. Thither Alexander Hays 
hastened, and in the history of that glorious state is written 
opposite his name — "territorial pioneer." 

In the popular concerts of the decade ending in 1849, 
"The Promised Land of Ophir" was constantly alluded to. 
and the audiences were wont to join in the soul-stirring 
choruses and even cheer, and to the gold fever that became 
epidemic, few young men were immune. 

The excitement of these days of "49 cannot be understood 
by this generation any more than the soul-stirring days of '61, 
and the spirit of these times cannot be put into words. A 
new El Dorado was within our domain ; not near, but acces- 
sible, and gold was surely there, and "Westward ho !" became 
the cry in every city, town and hamlet. The newspapers of 
the day were filled with wonderful tales — gold, gold, virgin 
gold — picked up on the surface of the soil, washed up from 
the sands of the streams ; gold in yellow streaks glittered in 
the white quartz rock that abounded everywhere in the hills ; 
gold, gold, gold, everywhere in California. Xo wonder the 

98 



Across the Plains 99 

rush ; no wonder the story of California to this day is a. 
thriller of the heart ;' no wonder visions of untold wealth 
floated in the air. A spirit of adventure quickly pervaded all 
classes and thousands of courageous men were soon on their 
way to the land of gold, and what subsequently became a 
land of desperate deeds, and then came law and order out of 
chaos, and Alexander Hays was there and on the side of right. 

Lieut. Alexander Hays, late of the United States army, 
after his failure in the iron business, in which he was engaged 
for a short time after his return from Mexico, and he was 
not alone in the list of such, naturally desired to regain his 
fallen fortunes, and California with its wealth surely offered 
the opportunity. With the many, he was attacked with the 
prevailing California fever. ^ 

Distinguished men were contemporaneous. There was 
Capt. "Sam" Grant of the Fourth Infantry, since Ulysses S. 
Grant for all time, on duty at Benicia. 1852, Columbia Bar- 
racks, Oregon, 1852, and Fort Vancouver and Fort Humboldt 
the succeeding two years, and William Tecumseh Sherman 
was there, and Henry W. Halleck, and many of those who 
had been with Alexander Hays at West Point, and he speaks 
of a classmate, likely from Allegheny College, as sheriff, but 
the West Point register names no one of the class of 1844 in 
that civil capacity. 

Alexander Hays joined a party composed of various 
classes of men from all walks of life from Western Pennsyl- 
vania and Eastern Ohio, which rendezvoused in Pittsburgh, 
the party going by boat to St. Louis and thence via the Mis- 
souri River, again rendezvousing at Independence, Mo., in 
May 1850. which town and St. Joseph were starting points 
and depots of supplies for the overland trains, and at Inde- 
pendence the final preparations by the Hays party were made 
for the long trip. There has not been preserved the names of 
Lieut. Hays' fellow argonauts beyond the mention he makes 
in his letters, and what ties, and how strongly made, must 
be passed over in conjecture. Many companies left Pittsburgh 
in these years, and while many men returned more or less 
successful, there were hundreds of Pittsburghers who elected 
to remain and spend their days in California, but Alexander 
Hays did not. How many of these men he knew and was 

1 Vide Chapter IX. 



100 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

intimate with, cannot now be given in the lapse of years, but 
it is known that such a list would undoubtedly include many 
who were his warm friends in Pittsburgh on their return. 

A detailed description of the overland journey, its perils 
and its romance, would certainly prove most interesting. It 
is not expedient that the fortunes of the party, with whom 
was Alexander Hays, should be here followed from day to 
day. The "company," as such parties were called, was regu- 
larly organized under competent oflficers, and disciplined and 
system prevailed for the common good. They pursued their 
course along new-made trails, where nature strewed with 
lavish hand her most perfect gifts; where grandeur and sub- 
limity of scenery, and the wonders of mountain and plain were 
in ample view, and anon there came portions of the route 
where nature had withheld her hand, and the way was marked 
with bones — the skeletons of beasts of burden who had 
perished of starvation or thirst, or both, and the debris of ruined 
wagons, and the headboards of the dead who had been unequal 
to the task, were found here and there, sad reminders of fatal 
termination of the gold fever. 

No better conception of the trials of this overland journey 
can be conveyed than that obtained from Alexander Hays' 
graphic and characteristic letters, written to his young wife 
and near friends, who wished him success in his great under- 
taking. These letters tell their own story and both in tone 
and text are thoroughly characteristic of the writer. Newsy, 
hopeful, and of wide range of topics, they are the only story 
of Alexander Hays' California life. 

The first letter is to IMajor George W. Murphy of Pitts- 
burgh, who was the husband of Mrs. Hays' sister, Margaret 
Wilson McFadden, and for Major Murphy, General Hays 
seems to have ever had a sincere affection, and writes to him 
in a brotherly manner. The others are to Mrs. Hays. 

A LETTER EN ROUTE 
ALEXANDER HAYS TO GEORGE W. MURPHY 

"South Fork, Platte River. June 13, 1850. 
"Dear George : 

"It was not my intention to write until our arrival at 
Fort Laramie on account of the uncertainty of transmission to 
the 'white settlements,' but circumstances have transpired 
upon our route which will no doubt go into the public prints, 



Across the Plains 101 



with usual exaggerations, and probably give you anxiety, if 
not alarm. On the 5th of June we arrived upon the bank 
of the main Platte and encamped during a tremendous rain. 
In the morning the bottom was covered, in many places, 
with water. Our men drank freely of what they supposed, 
good pure rain water; the error was, however, fatal to many. 
After our arrival at Fort Kearney [15 miles] alarming and 
distressing symptoms were exhibited by many. Our party 
were not the only sufferers, but all the emigrants. A disease 
broke out, which terminated fatally, sometimes in four or 
five hours. The symptoms were nearly those of cholera, and 
so the disease is generally designated, but I am perfectly satis- 
fied, as I have been from the first case, that the malady was 
poison. 

"Every indentation in the plain, being filled with water, 
dissolved certain poisonous alkalies with which the earth was 
impregnated. Purging and vomiting, which rendered usual 
remedies valueless, followed the use of it and in a majority of 
cases terminated fatally. The reports of the California route 
being marked with graves, is now verified, as far as it lies 
upon the Platte River. I believe that not less than 300 will 
have been buried between Fort Kearney and the South Fork 
crossing. It was anything but agreeable, when encamped 
at night, to hear the vomiting and groans of agony of many, 
who a few hours before, were boasting of health and strength. 

"As regards my own health, I have never enjoyed better, 
gaining flesh every day, and for appetite, no terror of Gurney's 
boarders could begin to compete with me. We have lost much 
time, on account of the sickness and also lost several of our 
party. 

"We are now [June i6th] on the left bank of the South 
Fork, and free from sickness, with the exception of two or 
three cases, but which are convalescent. There is no sick- 
ness on the route in advance, so that we can now congratulate 
ourselves. Feeling perfectly satisfied that every case of sick- 
ness arose from the use of standing water, I felt no apprehen- 
sion for myself. 

"I was nearly exhausted watching and nursing for a few 
days and nights, for nurses were in great demand, those who 
were not sick, with a few exceptions, were much frightened, 
and would render no assistance. After a few days' experience 
we became in a great measure, masters of the disease, apply- 
ing cold water to the stomach, stimulating the extremities, 
and administering opium, camphor, and sometimes calomel 
internally. The last case I had was Capt. Woodward, my 
sleepmate. He is perfectly recovered. Should I ever be placed 
in another similar situation, I think I could master any case, 
however desperate. 

"Now that I have finished the dark side, and I hope satis- 
fied you all that you need have no anxiety on my account, 



102 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



I will give you something- agreeable. The 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 
9th, loth, nth, and 12th of June, 1850, will not soon be for- 
gotten by those who passed them on the bottom lands of 
the Platte. 

"I wrote to Annie and Kate [wife and sister-in-law], 
from Fort Kearney, which they will no doubt receive, as I 
left the letters in charge of Lieut. Ogle. Our journey up to 
that point, which we left on the 7th, had been very pleasant, 
but of no particular interest. The Platte is a regular braggart 
of a river; it is at least a mile wide at Kearney. Surging and 
boiling like the Mississippi, it rolls down mountains of sand. 
To a person upon its banks it appears of great depth and 
rapidity, but upon examination its bed is found to average 
not more than one foot of water, except when swelled by 
melted snow from the mountains. Freshets are of short 
duration, rising and falling often the same day. I have forded 
it several times and ridden for some distance up the bed of 
the stream. The only danger to be apprehended is from quick- 
sands, which are, however, rare. 

"From the nth I date my first buflfalo chase. A herd was 
discovered crossing the road before us and making for the 
bluffs. I was a little curious to try 'Reuben' [his horse], and 
Woodward and myself gave chase. After a run of about a 
mile, we came upon them, and got for our share a splendid 
three-year-old bull. Two or three of the others were killed 
by other parties. We returned to our camp, well packed, 
and furnished the first bufifalo which our party had tasted. 

" 'Reuben.' on this and on several occasions since, proved 
himself a regular hunter. He enters into a chase with the 
spirit of a man. and will run full tilt, within 10 paces of a 
bufTalo. I can drop the reins upon his neck and fire my rifle 
with as much precision as if afoot. W'hen dismounted I 
always turn him loose, with the certainty of finding him 
grazing near where I left him, and yet with all his noble 
qualities, a child could manage him. 

"Our crossing of today was a tedious affair. The river 
had risen, and the ford was washed out a good deal by the 
numerous wagons which passed. It was a good mile wide, 
and above the bottom of our wagons. I crossed and re-crossed 
nine times to pilot the teams. 

"The scarcity of wood on the Platte induced us for the 
first time on the route to try the celebrated buffalo chips, 
which these animals had deposited there in vast quantities. 
They make an excellent fire, burning freely, and giving great 
heat, and I have not yet observed any difference in the victuals 
cooked with them from those cooked with wood. 

"Next in rank among the game we found after the buffalo, 
was the antelope, which realizes all the wild descriptions of 
the chamois of the Alps. It is the very antipode of the buffalo, 
which dull in all its senses except smelling, falls an easy prey 



Across the Plains 103 



to the well-mounted hunter, but the antelope is ever on the 
alert, and demands the greatest caution to entrap it. The 
run of the buffalo is dull and heavy, while the antelope fairly 
flies. The fleetest greyhound cannot begin to compete with 
it. Unfortunately for it, as with the ladies, it yields to curi- 
osity, and can be lured to its destruction by the flutter of a 
red handkerchief. The flesh is delicious, more so than any 
I ever tasted. Buffalo is not bad, particularly the hump, 
tenderloin and ribs. Large hares [jack rabbits], are very 
abundant, and often killed. They are not good, however. 
Ducks are also to be had when hunted for, and very fine 
eating. Yesterday I found a couple of their nests upon an 
island, and brought into camp about 20 eggs. You may inti- 
mate to our friends that we are not likely to starve. 

"Seventeenth. Sunday. We are lying by resting, mending 
trousers, washing shirts, cleaning guns, etc., etc. 

"Eighteenth. Left the south and arrived upon the North 
Fork, which is a daguerreotype of the former. Met the 
Morman mail and will close this here, and will write to Annie 
a long letter from Laramie, where we expect to arrive next 
Monday. If you should happen around at our house, or at 
L^ncle Thomas,' you can give them all my love. I will not 
be able to write to Annie now but she will see this and can 
read love all through interlined by imagination. I would give 
my horse, and go afoot to California for one kiss from her 
tonight. Love again to everybody. 

"I feel perfectly satisfied thus far with my expedition, 
and have strong hopes [or more] that it will turn out better 
than I anticipated. I have made some fast, true and good 
friends, but will write you more concerning this from San 
Fran. 

"I wish you to write me there as often as you can, and 
give me all the information you receive concerning next year's 
emigration. If it will be considerable I may probably travel 
this route again next summer, but of this you need make no 
mention abroad. 

"The trip is nothing and money can be coined. If I 
should come again Madam H.^ will have the pleasure of 
accompanying me. I have not been able to give you any 
idea of the subject of the present emigration, but will in my 
next. 

"We are not at all troubled by the Indians, and seldom 
see them. 

"Yours Sincerely. 

"Alex." 

"Excuse penmanship, as this was written in a spring 
wagon, with a lo-knot breeze blowing." 

1 Mrs. Hays. 



104 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"San Francisco, Cal., September 28th, 1850. 
"Dearest Wife: 

"I arrived safely, and in good health, at this point, yester- 
day, and was delivered from a great anxiety which I felt by 
the receipt of letters from home. I entered Sacramento on 
the night of the 23rd, after having spent four months and six 
days upon the plains, between Independence [AIo.] and that 
place. 

"I will reserve the incidents of that trip for a series of 
letters for your father, and Uncle Thomas, as soon as I have 
time to assure myself that it has not been one long, horrid 
dream. 

"At Sacramento I found no letters whatever, but here 
was quite a number in waiting. You may believe, my dearest 
wife, that an almost crushing load of anxiety left me when I 
tore open your letters of the 8th of August [the latest] and 
found all well. Still I was grieved that I could not be present 
to have offered some alleviation to your sufferings. It would 
have been my proper place, and I have often condemned the 
hand of fate which prevented me from being with you. 

'T have all along feared that you would receive the news- 
paper reports from the plains, and feel concerned for my 
safety, which would be natural, amidst such dreadful mor- 
tality. I have escaped through all, and am truly thankful, 
but hope I may be spared a repetition of such scenes as I 
have gone through since I left home. You have no doubt 
heard enough from the emigration of the Platte River, to 
believe that the suffering there was almost incredible, but I 
fear far worse is still to be heard from that portion of emi- 
grants still behind, upon the Humboldt and Carson rivers. The 
train with which I left Independence, will not reach Sacra- 
mento probably for 15 days to come, and others are far 
behind it. 

"At Salt Lake I determined to leave the train and pack 
through, and in company with six others, left on the 17th 
of August. Instead of keeping the traveled route we took a 
western direction, and saw but little of the emigration, after 
leaving the great American desert until we struck the head- 
waters of the Humboldt. 

"Our passage of the desert requires a chapter by itself, 
which I will give again. The portion of our trip through the 
mountains was indeed delightful. Such splendid mountain 
scenery I never saw. Plenty of grass, water and game. That 
will be for another chapter, and include a bear fight and an 
Indian chase. But from the time we struck the Humboldt, 
until we again left the Carson for the mountains, it was ter- 
rible. Subject for another chapter of death and desolation. 
Another desert intervened between Humboldt and Carson, of 



Across the Plains 105 



40 or 50 miles, in extent, without a spear of grass, or a drop 
of water. For a distance of 20 miles before reaching Carson 
the desert was strewn with abandoned property, wagons, car- 
riages, harness and ahnost every article of equipment. 
Thousands of animals lie dead in every direction, creating 
an insupportable stench. There we saw the horse, as he died, 
with saddle still girted to him. The mules' carcasses still bore 
the packs, and the ox had died in the yoke, still chained to 
the tongue of the deserted wagon. A few hours would some- 
times suffice almost to bury the ruin in sand, giving a scene 
of desolation that need to be seen to be credited. 

"The dreaded simoon of the Arabian deserts as described 
by travelers there, was now realized. Thus far my 'family' 
have escaped unscathed, but my noble horse, 'Reuben,' was 
doomed to go no further. On entering upon the desert I 
noticed that his usually high spirit was gone. About midway 
I was obliged to stop on his account. I would not detain my 
companions, and imperil their animals also. I urged them to 
go on, and soon v^'as left alone at midnight upon that dreary 
desert. At least my only living companions were poor 
'Reuben,' and my little mule, 'Jeannette.' To be so situated 
on account of a friend, even though that friend was only a 
horse, gave much for serious reflection. My thoughts were 
not haunted with myself and animals. They had flown far 
eastward and drew the picture of a sleeping family, two mem- 
bers or more. I am not subject to homesickness, but I felt 
something very like it, strangely sad. As I lay with my head 
upon the saddle, wrapped in my cloak, holding the lariat in 
my hand, poor 'Reuben' would press his cold nose to my face 
as if asking for sympathy, while 'Jeannette' would impati- 
ently pull my cloak, and lick my hand, as if urging to be 
taken from that lonesome place. After resting thus for two 
or three hours, we again started, but had not gone far until 
it became apparent that 'Reuben' could go no further, without 
delay, and delay might be dangerous. Unwilling to leave him 
to starve, my resolution was soon taken. I led him a short 
distance from the road, drew my pistol, and soon a ball 
crushed through his brain, terminating 'Reuben's' suffering 
forever. 

"I sprang upon 'Jeannette' who broke into a canter, 
nothing loathe to leave so desolate a spot as this appeared 
to be, even to her. Arriving at Carson River I found a tempo- 
rary settlement of traders, with all the necessaries of life. It 
was a hearty meal I made I assure you, my first one for 10 
days. We had lived upon jerked meat, and only once had a 
little rice. When we left Salt Lake, we took abundance of 
everything, bvit before we were half way down Humboldt, 
we had parted with every morsel to more destitute persons 
and trusted to Providence for ourselves. 

"Frequently we gave up the victuals cooked for ourselves, 



106 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



to almost famished women and children. It is no tale of 
fiction — several times I gave the last drop of water and the 
last biscuit I had, to children who were suffering. 

"I have seen men, with quantities of little frogs no larger 
than a beetle, which they have collected from the river to 
keep off the demon of starvation. 1 have seen others browsing 
like cattle upon the vines of the wild rose, which resembles 
the berry of our sweetbriar. Many have died after reaching 
Carson River, and the accounts from the Truckee River route 
are very distressing. In all I saw and underwent, it appears 
as if a Providence aided us. Once, when we had given all of 
our jerked meat to a company of men on the point of starva- 
tion, we found in a wild ravine, an ox, which had been left 
behind by its owner. It had been there sometime, and was 
pretty good beef. We drove it a few miles to camp, and then 
killed it, for the benefit of at least 30 men. While many were 
thus on the point of starvation, others had abundance, but 
would not spare one mouthful. It was an occasion to test 
men's souls. Selfishness predominated, but I hope it will 
receive its reward in the next, if not in this world. 

"Thousands came across the plains, and by other routes, 
and thousands are returning home again. More will leave 
than came in. There appears to be general disappointment 
with California. For my own part I cannot say that I regret 
my trip. I believe money can be made and rapidly, here, but 
nearly all emigrants came with the expectation of picking 
gold up by pounds, and returning with their burdens. I am 
much pleased with the country itself, and would not object 
to making it my home for a series of years. All I want is 
my family. 1 will try it until next summer, and then if I 
can do well, I will expect you to join me here. If nothing 
can be done I will return home and live contented with 'love 
in a cottage.' I return from this place to Sacramento, where 
you will direct all letters until further orders. I have not yet 
determined upon a profession. Anything that will make 
money will suit me. As soon as I start in business I will 
send you a card. My compass, etc., are yet behind with the 
train. As soon as they arrive and I get once settled, I will 
write you long, long letters. I think I will remain in Sacra- 
mento this winter. I have written to General Lane, in 
Oregon, which now promises much fairer than California, and 
should he advise a movement there, I believe I will try it. 
Be you patient, however, and of good cheer. 

**I have endeavored to find Farrelly Alden.^ but have thus 
far failed. I hope I will yet see him. Major Stockton has 
failed entirely in his mission. 

"As soon as I possibly can, I will write 'A Guide for 
Crossing the Plains.' and send it to you. Father Hays may 

1 Of Pittsburgh, a relative of Mrs. Hays. 



Across the Plains 107 



liave it published if he thinks proper. I am confident that no 
one will come to California who will read it, and believe it, 
unless specially invited. 

"Once settled down I will devote every spare moment to 
writing to some of you, to you, dearest, always. How much 
I would give [were I worth a sou], to see your dear face, 
and our two cherubs. My old motto, 'Hope on, hope ever,' 
is getting stale and I am a little tired of being buiifeted about 
so much. All has, however, been so far for the best, and may 
yet turn out well. 

"I am afraid 1 am only obliterating both writings by this 
crossing, but 1 am anxious to write more than I will be able 
at this time. I expected to send this by a Mr. Smith of 
Mexico, who returns home, but he has disappeared. I have 
not seen him today. Should it be obliged to lie here for the 
steamer, I will send several more to accompany it. 

"I have heard from no Franklin or Mercer friends here, 
neither do I care much to hear from them. I will be certain 
to hear from such should I be successful in gaining gold. I 
have very much changed my ideas of friendship, and ask none 
from the world at large. If I can place my dear wife and 
children in a position where we can all live comfortably and 
happy, it will be as much as I aspire to. The minute I am 
able I will respond to your call and 'come home,' or go to 
bring you home. 

"Direct your letters to Sacramento. I leave for there 
this evening and from there will write to all. Rachel need 
not think herself neglected or less thought of, because I did 
not write to her. I think her the best girl in Pittsburgh, and 
v.'ill send her the first lump of gold I dig for a pin. My love 
to all — Mother, Rachel, 'Mag,' Kate,^ and the little ones. I 
will write to your uncle, father and George Murphy, and to 
you, dearest wife, by next steamer and every other oppor- 
tunity. 

"I can tell nothing of the Pittsburgh people, farther than 
that they are upon the Yuba and said to be doing well. 

"God blevss you and our dear children, 

"Your Husband, 

"Alex." 

"Tuesday. Finding I have an opportunity to write some- 
thing more I take advantage of it. I cannot answer all your 
letters in detail until I have read them over a few times more. 
I send a few flowers to 'Agg' and Martha, acting upon Sam 
Slick's theory. 'The way to a mother's heart is through her 
children.' 

"If my baggage arrives safely I will have many curiosities 
to send you, including beautiful flowers and a variety of seeds. 
If an opportunity offers I will send 'Agg' and Martha a 

1 The McFadden family. 



108 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



young grizzly bear, as I am offered one quite young. Believe 
it would make a great play fellow tor them. As for the two 
boys I will look out for two fine horses for them. In the mean- 
time, tell George to keep them strictly at practice with 
broadswords — small swords and pistols. I have met here with 
several friends who will aid me in a start, and I have still 
hope of making money, of which I will inform you in my next. 
I have been unable to find Farrelly, but have accepted a letter 
for him. I start for Sacramento at four. It is now nearly 
time. 

"Colonel Jack Hays is sheriff of this place. ^ Another 
good friend and classmate is sheriff at Stockton, and has 
invited me there. Mr. Samuel Purdy of Buffalo, is mayor 
of Stockton. I will see Mr. Washington when I go up. Joe 
Moody is well, and still in the custom house. 

IN THE DIGGINGS 
ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Volcano Diggings, Cal., March 17, 1851.- 
"Dearest Wife : 

"In all my letters I believe I have neglected to give you 
[which I now am able to do geographically], my location. As 
for the 'shingle' for which you inquire, I have none, unless 
it be a windlass, situated in one of the most prominent points 
of the valley, under which, 25 feet below the surface of the 
earth, I generally spend the greater portion of the day. 
'Volcano,' is about 80 miles from the city of Sacramento, and 
nearly east. A more appropriate name I have never known. 
The whole region bears evident marks of the most awful 
convulsions of nature, in times long past. Descending into the 
valley from the point one sees only granite and quartz rocks, 
piled one upon another in most incongruous confusion. Here 
and there is the mouth of a cavern leading no one knows 
where. Approaching nearer the 'diggins,' the scene is one of 
intermingled valley and rocky ridge, beautiful beyond descrip- 
tion. And when the miners' village is reached nature can 
produce no fairer picture. Now [to drop down from the 
clouds], come up the main, and only street. We have passed 
under two cords of raw ox hide, extending to Sutter's Creek, 
and supported by two poles, the communicating lines of a 
v.-aterpower which is intended to pum]i. and keep dry the 

1 Alexander Hays' old friend the colonel of the Texas Rangers 
in Lane's brigade, "Jack" Hays, was sheriff of San Francisco County, 
1851-1854. Consult "History of California," Hittell, Vol. III., P. 328. 

^ Slightly southeast, in Amidor County, between the Consumme 
and Mokelumne Rivers. Thousands of men prospected there when 
Alexander Hays were there, with only "average luck," traditions 
say. Consult "History of California," Hittell, Vol. III., PP. 111- 
113; also "Eldorado," Bayard Taylor, PP. 247-248. 



Across the Plains 109 



extensive diggings of a company, who will individually realize 
a future in the course of a month, provided that everything 
turns out as the sanguine proprietors expect. In one month 
they will be without a dime, unless they learn wisdom. Far- 
ther up, on our left you will see another invention for enrich- 
ing the proprietors 'on the shortest possible notice,' and you 
will call it a 'salt works,' but it is only a force pump, worked 
by a pendulum, intended to keep dry another extensive dig- 
ging, besides which the poor thing is not only expected to dig 
the dirt, but wash it out, returning the gold into the hands of 
the ingenius inventors, as 'a reward of merit,' every night. 
'Them is gonners, too.' A little further on and you will see a 
specimen of by far the most numerous variety of machinery 
used here. An humble windlass, the property, and surmount- 
ing the 'diggins' of H., Y. & Co.^ There are four of us partners, 
and for the privilege of digging out about one square rod, 
we have agreed to pay the sum of $500. This week we will 
take out more than will pay that amount, but I am afraid 
our work will not continue long. To you it will appear no 
doubt enormous wages to receive $50 for one day's work, 
which is the case sometimes, but then you will recollect that 
for 10 days to come we may not make one dime. 

"March loth. I was prevented from writing last night 
in consequence of being obliged to work with all hands in 
keeping our digging free from water. We did not finish until 
10 o'clock at night, and you may imagine I was very tired. 
The digging is my particular business, while Yeager and 
Boucher attend to the washing. We have two or three hands 
employed besides ourselves. The labor is not generally very 
heavy, but at times we are obliged to use extra exertion. I 
told you above of our expectations for the past week and now 
I am pleased to say that they have been realized. During the 
week we took out $700, paid $400 for the privilege, and divided 
the balance. I am now better ofif than I have ever been in 
California, free from debt, and with something in my pocket. 
1 am sorry to say, not enough to pay my debts, even that one 
which is most annoying to me. If the same success would 
follow, I could soon realize enough to return home satisfied, 
but there are too many drawbacks to permit me to hope. I 
have been so often disappointed. Should the water remain 
as it is at present we will be able to do something of account, 
but should it rise and come upon us often, as it has done 
already two or three times, we will lose a great portion of 
our labor. 

"At all events, my dearest wife, I will have enough to 
'carry me back,' and I will not embark in anything without 
a certainty of its paying me well. Last mail I sent you a 
letter and enclosed a few specimens. I have done the same 

1 Hays, Yeager and Boucher. 



110 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

several times before, and I hope they have arrived safely. 
The last letter weighed nearly an ounce, upon which I paid 
the postage. Speaking of postage, I wish you would send 
my letters unpaid, as I think I have a better chance of receiv- 
ing them.^ Each one here cost me from two to three dollars, 
but that is nothing. The small specimens I sent you were 
picked out with my own hands from the earth. I have a 
number of specimens which I intend to carry home if possible, 
some of them very pretty. 

"Do not be too much elated with my prospects, as I 
have related them to you, but await another letter, and I will 
tell you all. I half promised you that I would return home in 
two or three months, but I now wish to make it conditional. 
If, in that time I find no opportunity of making something 
worth while, I will do as I have said, but should a good oppor- 
tunity offer I think I would do injustice to others to decline it. 

"As for your dream of coming to California, my dearest 
wife, that can never be, unless I get to be governor! If I 
was doomed to stay here forever as I am now situated, I 
would never consent to your coming here. Remember^ 
dearest, we are not now alone, but have little responsibilities, 
where training must be attended to. But there is no use 
speaking further on the subject at present. Oh, how often I 
wish I could see you, the babies and all once more. I see 
you eternally, waking and sleeping, but after my visions are 
over I only feel the more desolate. Often when working, and 
I happen to strike a rich lead, where the gold sparkles, I 
wish 'Agg' and Marty were with me. I can imagine their 
delight as they picked out the shining particles from the clay 
which I could give them.* 

"I can also picture to myself another lady who would 
take no less delight than the iittle ones,' to be present, but 
then 'the sober, second thought' tells me she would spoil 'the 
diggins.' as 1 should forget the gold, and be 'a-kissin' ' her all 
the time. Who is she? You will no doubt pity me. and my 
hard lot. but you may spare your sympathy, unless it be to 
bring me home. A miner's life has not half the horrors you 
read in the papers. I can complain of nothing, but separation 
from my friends. If I was now an officer of the army, at 
this place, and knowing what I do [and a single man], without 
such dear ties as would make life a blank without them. I 
would doff the buttons quickly and be a miner forever. It 
is true that the mass of miners are unrefined and rude, but 
there are numerous exceptions, with a state of affairs con- 
stantly improving. In the whole of my California experience, 
I have not had occasion to pass angry words with a single 

1 In those days letters could be sent, postage C. O. D. 

2 The children — Agnes and Martha. 



Across the Plains HI 



man. The upright man is universally respected, while the 
rogue is liable to be hung upon the first tree. I have almost 
become a convert to the creed of Judge Lynch, for here he 
sits night and day, and I have yet to hear of his first con- 
demnation of a man who had any pretensions to honesty. 

"The labor of the mines as a general thing is not so 
oppressive as report would make out, although for a person 
determined to make something it is sometimes hard work. If 
I was working for myself alone, I could get along with little 
trouble. 'Good luck' is everything to the miner. It was my 
intention to have gone northward this spring, but so much 
excitement was raised on the subject of prospects there, that 
I considered the whole a humbug, and gave it up. Lately 
there has been an attempt made to raise a southern excite- 
ment, and I have been offered the most flattering assurances 
if I would go there. All we would have to do would be to 
flog 10,000 Indians and pick up more gold than we could carry 
away. 

"When I am informed of the safe arrival of my letter by 
last mail, I will send you some specimens, from time to time, 
but now I am afraid it will peril the delivery of the letter. If 
it was in my power, that is, if I was in Sacramento, I would 
send you something heavier than a single specimen or two. 
As it is, you must wait, and when I get a little more I will 
go down and probably carry it home myself. 



"Two weeks ago three of us purchased an interest [for 
labor to be performed], in a deep and extensive digging. Last 
week we induced another friend [Douglass of Mercer], to 
buy the whole claim in his own name for $400. each one of 
the four to be an equal partner. This week [the first], we 
have taken out $700, besides paying all expenses, thereby 
paying for the claim, and leaving as a dividend $300. Next 
week I think it will also pa}'^ well, beyond that I cannot say. 
but believe it will not fail. In my next I will tell you. After 
this is worked out we [three of us], have an old digging to 
wash out which will pay us something for our labor. 

"Your Husband. 

"Alex." 



With the exception of Alexander Hays" letters in this 
chapter, the only data extant relative to his California trip 
are a few lines of memoranda in the handwriting of Major 
George W. Murphy, in the possession of Gilbert A. Hays, 
to wit : 



112 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"Jim and George Barclay left here for California, January 
29, 1849, "^''^ Baltimore. Sailed from Baltimore in the barque 
Kirkland, February 24, 1849. 

"The Kirkland did not sail from Norfolk until Wednesday, 
March 7, 1849. Prevented by contrary winds. 

"Alexander Hays left Pittsburgh for California [overland 
route], on S. B.^ Isaac Newton, April 25, 1850, at 15 minutes 
before 7 o'clock in the evening. 

1 Steamboat. 



CHAPTER IX. 

BEFORE SUMTER 

SOON after his return from Mexico, Alexander Hays 
engaged in the manufacture of pig- iron, operating the 
old "Victory Furnace" near Franklin, Pa., which was 
constructed in 1803 by Andrew Boner, whose various succes- 
sors had met with some degree of success, and numerous 
reverses. Under the Hays management, owing to lack of a 
sufficiently protective tariff, a scarcity of ore and poor trans- 
portation facilities, the venture proved unprofitable and the 
furnace "blew out" permanently in 185 1, and has not since 
been operated. The ruins of the original structure are still 
standing. In after life, General Hays often laughingly 
remarked that this proposition was "the only thing that ever 
licked him, which he was afraid to tackle again." ^ 

After his return from California in 1851, Capt. Hays, as 
he was now known, accepted the responsible position of 
assistant engineer of construction on the new Pittsburgh and 
Steubenville Railroad, now part of the Pennsylvania Lines 
West, which he satisfactorily filled until 1852, and the same 
position on the Allegheny Valley Railroad from 1852 until 
1854. He subsequently served as engineer, first of Allegheny 
City and then Allegheny County.^ Under his direction was 
plotted and laid out that portion of the old City of Allegheny 
north of the "North Common," now the North Park, which 
was for some years known as "New Mexico" on account of 
the nomenclature of the streets, commemorating and perpet- 
uating the memory of the then recent victories in Old Mexico, 
in which Alexander Hays had participated and the names of 
commanding generals of the American army in the war. 

1 This was a charcoal iron furnace of a type very common in 
Pennsylvania over a century prior to 1850. Its capacity was prob- 
ably 12 to 14 tons a day. In that year there were 18 similar 
furnaces in the county. 

2 In the Pittsburgh Directory, 1856, will be found the lines — 
"Hays, Alexander, of Hays and Darley, Sharpsburg," and "Hays and 
Darley, civil engineers, cor. Grant and Diamond." 

113 



/ 



114 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Among these names, notwithstanding numerous changes of 
municipal administrations and the consolidation of Allegheny 
City and Pittsburgh, there may be mentioned Buena Vista, 
Resaca, Palo Alto, Monterey and Fremont Streets and Taylor 
Avenue. 

Capt. Hays was also employed in a professional capacity 
in surveying and locating many new roads in Allegheny 
County and with plans and supervising the building of many 
county bridges necessitated by the rapid development of the 
Pittsburgh district from 1854 to 1861. Sewickley Borough 
was laid out and incorporated in 1853 ^^^ the original plot 
of the borough was drawn by Alexander Hays, which beau- 
tiful suburb in after years became the residence of his family 
and the first great battle in which he participated on 
the Peninsula, gave the name, Fair Oaks, to a nearby station 
on the then Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, 
afterwards the home of the Hays family. Among other posi- 
tions Alexander Hays held was that of "Borough Regulator" 
or engineer, for the borough of South Pittsburgh, now South 
Side, Pittsburgh, for several years up to 1861. He also laid 
out, in 1859, the first road leading from Sewickley to the beau- 
tiful cemetery in that town. 

For 10 years Alexander Hays thus dwelt in the joys of 
his home, and the delight of his little family was sweet peace 
to him. \\'hen the roar of the guns at Sumter came reverber- 
ating over the land, Capt. Alexander Hays was still actively 
engaged in the daily routine of his profession at the very 
date drawing plans for a bridge for the Allegheny Valley Rail- 
road, then finished as far as Kittanning. Alexander Hays 
hesitated not a minute. He put away his instruments and laid 
his unfinished plans aside. Heedless alike of his West Point 
education, his well earned previous rank in the thrilling service 
on the Rio Grande and in the Valley of Mexico, he enlisted 
as a private soldier in the "City Guards of Pittsburgh" a 
l^opular and recently-formed military company, whose history 
and services will be taken up in the succeeding chapter. 

When Alexander Hays thus left the arts of peace and 
became again the soldier, he swore anew upon the altar of 
his country unyielding allegiance, and undying fidelity to 
our country's flag, mindful that the country which had edu- 
cated him for its defense now had a first and a just claim on 
his services, and that in need, it demanded in silent pleading 



Before Sumter 115 

the benefit of the military education he had obtained, and 
also the more valuable one of actual experience in battle and 
active warfare. 

His intentions to again take up the sword were, most 
naturally, first confided to his wife and in speaking of his 
engineering work he remarked, "This kind of work is now 
ended," and he spake prophetically — for him it had ended for 
all time. 

Previous to his enlistment, in the patriotic uprising of 
loyal Pittsburgh in preventing the removal of the cannon and 
ordnance stores from the Allegheny Arsenal in the last days 
of December, i860, Alexander Hays was foremost amongst 
those who successfully resisted this traitorous action of John 
P>. Floyd, then Secretary of War, and this, though a bloodless 
victory, was really the first thwarting of the plans of the vile 
conspirators who were easily lost to sight when real war came, 
and the real Southern soldier sprang into view and into action, 
and the fire-eater and the demagogue faded away in ignominy, 
and of such a type was John B. Floyd. 

A short time previous to the opening of hostilities, Capt. 
Alexander Hays prepared a second thesis on military affairs 
in the United States and which has never been published. It 
is made part of this chapter as being contemporaneous with 
the most' threatening period of our national life, and is most 
interesting. It is entitled : 

UNITED STATES VS. EUROPE 

The object of the present article is not to communicate 
statistical facts: neither will any chronological order be 
attempted. We will merely cast abroad a measure of chaiT, 
and if one grain of wheat can be found therein, the end and 
object will be accomplished. 

The immortal Father of our Country, left as a legacy to 
his children, many injunctions, which we are not likely to 
forget, or disregard ; although prosperity and financial security 
may lull us into apparent indifference. First in war — he led 
our troops to battle and to victory — First in Peace, he 
enjoined upon us with nearly the authority of inspiration — 
"In time of peace, prepare for war." 

The power of a nation consists not solely in armadas, 
nor in armories groaning under the weight of ordnance. These 
are but the instruments" in the hands of an intelligent people 
to accomplish what may be, "a manifest destiny" — and who 
doubts it? 



116 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



Our general government regardless of political parties, or 
sectional interests, has ever kept this maxim of Washington's 
in view — would to God it might follow all his others as strictly. 

The deficiency lies with the people themselves. We are 
noted as a boastful people, and we may acknowledge the 
truth, but excuse ourselves, for we have much of which to be 
proud. But boasters are seldom heroes. What we need, is a 
true popular national pride, which will find at home, all that 
it now so much glories abroad. 

The thunders of Montibella and Solferino have ceased to 
reverberate, and the zouave of France reposes upon his 
laurels, luxuriating in the gay gardens of his native land, and 
takes part in the gorgeous pageants which a grateful master 
knows so well and so cheaply to prepare. 

The civilized world has added the applause, which always 
follows brave deeds, and from no quarter has it met with a 
heartier, heartfelt response than from the United States. 
There no burning jealousy or smothered hate suppressed the 
emotion which emanated with the breath we breathed. We 
have merely cited the zouave, as having been most dis- 
tinguished in the recent conflicts of Europe. We would, 
however, be understood to include troops of all arms, and 
every nation. 

When we acknowledge them as friends, we do not under- 
rate them as enemies, and can intend no detraction. Their 
deeds of high daring have met with so much approval among 
us, that our only desire is to recall the imaginations of our 
people home to a fact which may become an important one. 

The disposition to overrate foreign prophets is proverbial, 
but with the experience of 83 years, gives us permission to 
claim for American troops a superiority over all others. The 
claim may be met with ridicule, for "Uncle Sam's" notions of 
economy and a popular opposition to large armies, have never 
yet given us a tithe of the numbers which swell the armies 
of the Old World. We will, then, merely oflfer our trifling 
operations as samples, as a merchant ofTers his goods, with 
the assurance that we have a very large stock of the same 
sort. 

We will not extend this article by reverting too far back. 
The experiences of "76" and "12" are well enough known at 
home, and too well known abroad. Our gallant Scott still 
lives, and well knows that the bayonets which hurled back the 
charges of veteran troops when he was a boy, still gleam as 
highly as then. The "Gray Backed Buffalo ^lilitia," too, have 
left behind a numerous progeny, "worthy sons of noble sires." 
Our cotton bales have multiplied, and our rifles in other hands 
have not lost their unerring aim, but carry a leaden death 
faster and farther. Yankee ingenuity has supplied us with 
revolvers, for close encounters, and the bowie knife has done 
effective service. 



\ 



Before Sumter 117 



For the use of these and every other engine of war known 
to man, we could assemble in an incredible short time, on any 
point on our borders, an army, led on and directed by military 
genius and talent, which Europe does not call in question, 
and which would defy the world. Such an army as we might 
call out, would give the world an anomaly which the Roman 
Empire in her palmiest days with her barbaric millions never 
presented. 

Sovereign and independent nations, yet constituting a 
smgle nation of 30,000,000 ; men inured to every climate 
from the pole to the equator — speaking the same language and 
united, not only by general interests, but by the most sacred 
ties, which bind man to man. We will now merely revert to 
conflicts with the aborigines of Florida and the West, and 
leave the reader to refer to history whether the incidents of them 
are forgotten or never perused. He will find a record there 
of the American soldier's recklessness and indomitable cour- 
age, patience and endurance, under privation unparalleled. 

After many years of peace, questions arose which led us 
into a war with our neighbors of Mexico. Read over again 
the accounts of Palo Alto, and you will discover a handful 
of American troops, a majority of them never before under 
fire, standing unflinchingly the most trying test, either of the 
young or old soldier — a day's cannonading from a vastly 
superior force. Follow them on their next day's march and 
hear their defiant yells as they charge upon their enemy of 
the day before, now largely augmented in numbers. 

Neither entrenchment nor serious natural obstacles 
impeded the onset of North Americans, and night closed upon 
the field of Resaca de la Palma, covered with the killed and 
wounded of the enemy outnumbering our little army. The 
enemy's border is passed, and after the usual fatigue, priva- 
tion and sufTering of a long march, the Sierra Madre looms in 
sight, with Monterey nestling in its bosom. Another page 
of history tells the tale of "who fought, who died" there. 

Volunteers strove in honest rivalry with regulars, and 
well did the volunteers make good the boast and redeem the 
pledges that in the hour of need our country could rely upon 
them. Regiments were decimated and officers cut down by 
scores. Under every disadvantage on our side, for three days 
that terrible conflict raged, and the "Mountain City" was 
taken. 

As it was deemed policy to attack the enemy in another 
quarter, one division of the army, composed principally of 
volunteer troops, who had seen but a few months service is 
led onward to Buena Vista, and accomplished, after another 
three days unremitting struggle, the crowning glory of the 
war upon the northern line. It was fought against fearful 
odds, but of the hordes who exultingly crossed the desert with 
Santa Anna to crush the little armj^ composed of nothing 



118 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



but volunteers, 10,000 never again drank of the waters of San 
Louis. The other division is directed to take a more southern 
route, to strike at the heart of the country — that capital of 
which it is so justly proud. Vera Cruz, and its impregnable 
[?] guardian, San Juan d' Ulloa, fell an easy prey to the 
elements of our military organization directed by that mighty 
genius of war, whose superior we cannot admit. The observ- 
ing foreigner might here have witnessed the spectacle to 
which we have already reverted — the representatives of every 
section of our Union, for the time recognizing alone, and 
yielding implicit obedience to the authority of our general 
government. Recognizing no North, no South, no East, no 
West, and that army as the only "irresistible" thing to be 
conceived. 

In succession comes Cerro Gordo, but the record of it 
has been made without omission by abler pens than ours. 
The results of that day would be incredible, did not an army 
of witnesses testify to the facts, and prove the position we 
take, that American troops are invincible. It has ever 
appeared to us as a tragedy on a grand scale, conceived and 
planned by one mind — enacted by our army — each man perfect 
in his part — all so perfect, even as to the time of each shifting 
scene — that it was a complete triumph. 

City after city acknowledged the sway of the conquerors, 
but the great object was still onward. Cortez and his fol- 
lowers alone could have expressed the emotions which filled 
the soul of every man in that army, as it arrived at the point 
where the magnificent panorama of the great valley is spread 
before the eye. Although still far distant — the goal of his 
ambition — the realization of his hopes, perhaps a dream of 
his youth — Mexico and its surrounding villages — a monarch 
city and its court lies before him. Contrasting against art, 
nature, and superior numbers, Contreras, Churubusco, Molino 
del Rey, and Chapultepec, were but stepping stones to the 
"Halls of the Montezumas" — and thus was consumated, 
with less means and in briefer time, the greatest military 
achievement of any age, in any country. Only "that truth is 
sometimes stranger than fiction," the operations of our army 
in the Valley of Mexico, are so much like romance, it might 
be feared that posterity would doubt the reality. 

Our article is too extended already, and we must again 
refer our readers to the records. We only, as intimated, 
desired to call attention, especially that of "Young America. "' 
to the history of our own country. He will find at home 
better models for study and imitation than anywhere else on 
earth, and when he has selected his hero, let him add with 
proper substitution the adage, "Sparta hath many a mother's 
son than he." 

U. S. 



Before Sumter 119 

In the light of what so soon occurred, this essay was most 
prophetic, and its logic was soon proven sound. It reveals 
the patriotism of the writer and the supreme faith in, and the 
highest admiration of the American soldier. 

Alexander Hays, a few years after his resignation, was 
reappointed to the regular army, as the news item below, 
taken from a paper printed in his old home, amply evidences : ^ 

APPOINTMENT 

"The President has appointed Capt. Alexander Hays, a 
native of this place, son of General Samuel Hays, to a cap- 
taincy in one of the new regiments of infantry. 

"Capt. H. has served with distinction in the Mexican 
War, but having resigned his commission shortly after its 
close, has been in private life until the President conferred 
upon him his present appointment. His destination, it is 
thought, will be Utah Territory. 

"Wherever his lot may be cast, he will carry with him 
the best wishes of all who know him, and we have no fears 
he will ever prove unworthy of them." 

This appointment Alexander Hays did not accept. The 
particular influence that secured the appointment and the 
reasons therefor are not now known. It was not uncommon 
to reappoint retired officers and the Mormon troubles then 
about to break upon the country may have had something to 
do with Alexander Hays' recall to the profession of arms, for 
which he had been educated. Franklin Pierce was then Presi- 
dent, who knew Alexander Hays' record in Mexico, and 
Joseph Lane was most potent in the affairs of the Democratic 
party then in power. It is worthy of mention that Jefferson 
Davis was the Secretary of War, and Caleb Cushing Attorney 
General in Pierce's cabinet and both had served in Mexico, 
and Davis, colonel of the ist Mississippi Regiment, had been 
a son-in-law of Zachary Taylor, under whom Alexander Hays 
had first served on the Rio Grande. 

In the interim between the wars that Alexander Hays 
had not been disregardful of military affairs, though his 
interest was mainly in the militia, is shown from the notice 
quoted below, taken from a Pittsburgh paper of the date : 
September 21, 1858. The following order was printed: 

"Brigade Orders No. 2. — The aid and staff of the brigadier- 
general of the First Brigade of the Eighteenth Division of 

1 From "Venango Spectator" (Franklin, Pa.), March 21, 1855. 



120 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

the Uniformed Militia of Allegheny County, are hereby 
notified to appear in full uniform on Monday, the 20th of 
September, at 12 o'clock M., at Camp Duquesne, near Birm- 
ingham. The aid and stafif are as follows : Capt. Alexander 
Hays, aid; Capt. Thomas M. Mosler, brigade quartermaster; 
Hiram Hultz, brigade paymaster; William B. Negley, brigade 
judge advocate. 

"Also notice is hereby given to all hucksters, auction 
sales, gamblers and sale of spirituous liquors (unless of 
licensed houses) that they will not be permitted within one 
mile of Camp Duquesne. 

"By order of the brigadier general, 

"P. Kane, Adjutant." 

Fourteen Allegheny County companies went into camp 
on this occasion for one week. The old borough of Birming- 
ham has, since 1874, been part of the South Side of the city 
of Pittsburgh, comprising the territory between South Seventh 
and Seventeenth Streets, the Monongahela River and the hill. 

Of the staff above named, Hultz became a colonel but 
had no service at the front, but was instrumental in recruiting 
more than one company and regiment. William B. Negley, 
after the war a prominent attorney in Pittsburgh, served on 
his relative's staff. Major-general James S. Negley, and 
Patrick Kane, captain of Company K, Thirteenth Pennsylvania 
Cavalry, from February 2, 1862, was mortally wounded at 
Hawes' Shop, Va., May 28, 1864, and died June 2nd. Capt. 
Mosler is not known to this generation. James S. Negley, 
previously captain of the "Pennsylvania Infantry," was in 
command of the camp. 

The records of the "Washington Infantry of Pittsburgh" 
show that the anniversary of Perry's victory, September 10, 
1855, was celebrated by a parade of the company, with 102 
officers and men in line, and in the afternoon an excursion was 
made to Sewickley, where the company was entertained by 
the "Sewickley Guards" and on this most enjoyable occasion 
Alexander Hays, his rank not given, served on the entertain- 
ment committee.^ 

1 "History of the Washington Infantry;" P. 23. 




Victory Monument, West Point Military Academy. 



CHAPTER X. 

LETTERS FROM CAMP 

THE 12TH REGIMENT, PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, 

THREE MONTHS SERVICE 

THE sound of Sumter's guns had scarcely died away 
until Alexander Hays was again ready for the field. 
He was among the many thousands who tarried not, 
but were ready at once and went as soon as an organization 
could be efifected to receive his company. 

About one year previous to the presidential election of 
i860, James H. Childs of Pittsburgh, proposed to his friends 
that they form a military company. When asked why he 
didn't join the old Duquesne Grays, a prominent organization 
then existing in the city, he replied : "Oh, no, let us get up 
a new company composed of our own personal friends." At 
his solicitation a sufficient number of prominent young men 
were secured, and the company organized under the name of 
the "City -Guards of Pittsburgh," with Capt. T. J. Brereton, 
a graduate of West Point, as captain. Maurice Wallace, who 
had also served in the United States army, was engaged as 
drill master. Drilling was carried on without public dem- 
onstration for some months, when the Civil War began, with 
President Lincoln's call for volunteers for three months' 
service. 

Capt. Brereton decided that he would not enter the 
service, and as the company decided they had played soldier 
long enough they would tender their company, and offered 
the command to Alexander Hays, then a resident of the city. 
As soon as it was known that Capt. Hays was in command 
the company was rapidly filled and organized with the follow- 
ing officers : 

Alexander Hays, captain; James H. Childs, first lieuten- 
ant; A. S. M. Morgan, second lieutenant. The company was 
accepted, and was mustered in as Company K of the 12th 
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, under Colonel David 
Campbell. Capt. Hays was made major, which necessitated 

121 



122 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

the selection of another captain, and Childs, who had pre- 
viously been appointed first lieutenant, proposed the name of 
William C. Denny, as one having more age and experience than 
himself. This was done, and on entering the 12th Regiment the 
company was made up of the following officers : Captain, 
William C. Denny; first lieutenant, James H. Childs; second 
lieutenant, A. S. M. Morgan ; first sergeant, Benjamin Bake- 
well ; second sergeant, Charles W. Chapman ; third sergeant, 
John O. Phillips; fourth sergeant, A. B. Bonnafon. 

The I2th Regiment was recruited and organized at Pitts- 
burgh, under the supervision of Brigadier-General James S. 
Negley. The Duquesne Grays and the Independent Blues, 
the oldest and among the best drilled companies in the city, 
many of whose members were veterans of the Mexican War, 
formed the basis of the organization. The Zouave Cadets, a 
company composed of young men, was formed at Pittsburgh 
in i860, during the prevalence of the military furore, occa- 
sioned by the visit of the Chicago Zouaves, under Capt. 
Ellsworth. The City Guards had been but a short time 
organized, and had never made their appearance on public 
parade. The remaining companies were newly formed. An 
election of field ofBcers was held on the 22nd of April, which 
resulted in the choice of the following: David Campbell of 
Pittsburgh, colonel ; Norton McGififin of Washington, lieu- 
tenant-colonel ; Alexander Hays of Pittsburgh, major. Daniel 
Leasure, from captain of Company H, was appointed adjutant, 
and subsequently also acted as adjutant-general to General 
Negley. Quartermaster, James A. Ekin ; surgeon, Alexander 
M. Speer; assistant surgeon, Robert M. Tindle ; chaplain, 
James J. Marks. 

Of the above officers, Lieut. -Colonel McGiffin was from 
W^ashington, Pa., and Adjutant Leasure from New Castle; 
the remainder were Pittsburghers. Lieut.-Colonel McGiffin, 
Capts. McKee and O'Brien and Lieut. Chalfant were veterans 
of Mexico.^ 

The regiment left Pittsburgh on the 24th of April, and 
arrived in Harrisburg on the 25th, where it was quartered in 
churches, and in the Capitol. On the afternoon of the same 
day, the 12th, together with the 13th, was reviewed in the 

1 For company officers of the 12th Regiment and the roster ot 
Company K, Alexander Hays' original company, vide Appendix F. 



Letters From Camp 123 

public grounds by Governor Curtin, and was mustered into 
the service of the United States. Immediately afterwards, 
the I2th departed by the Northern Central Railroad for Camp 
Scott, near the town of York. Here it remained for several 
weeks, engaged in drill. The camp was not a comfortable 
one, being at this season of the year, a field of mud. The men 
soon became impatient for active service. On the 19th of 
May the regiment was clothed, equipped, and furnished with 
camp equipage. 

The bridges on the Northern Central Railroad, which 
were destroyed immediately after its abandonment, had been 
rebuilt and trains commenced running regularly between 
Harrisburg and Baltimore on the 9th of May. On the 25th, 
the regiment was ordered to move and take position on this 
road, from the state line to the city of Baltimore, relieving 
the 1st Pennsylvania, Colonel Yohe. The order was hailed 
with delight, opening to the men a prospect of activity. It 
was posted along the road, with headquarters at Cockeysville, 
where tw-o companies, I and K, were stationed. The guard 
duty was very heavy, and soon became irksome, but no 
attempt by force or stealth, was ever made to interfere with 
the line. The companies were so much scattered that no 
opportunity was afforded for regimental drill after leaving 
Camp Scott. The two companies at Cockeysville were, how- 
ever, regularly and thoroughly instructed, and soon acquired 
the proficiency of veterans. In the manual they were daily 
exercised by Sergeant-Major Bonnafon, an experienced soldier, 
and in the school of the company by their officers. The men 
were impatient to be with the advancing column, but were 
obliged to remain to the end of their term of enlistment in 
this position. 

The service rendered by this regiment w^as devoid of 
stirring incident, but was, nevertheless, exceedingly laborious, 
was faithfully performed, and was of great moment to the 
government. The highest expectations were entertained of 
its heroic conduct in the face of the enemy ; but no enemy was 
seen, and no occasion presented for the firing of a gun. It 
was a noiseless and inglorious campaign, but a highly useful 
one, for not only was an important and vital line of conimuni- 
cation with the National Capitol preserved and protected, but 
a fine body of men was thoroughly drilled and perfected in 



124 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

the school of arms, and many, who here received their first 
instruction, afterwards led with great skill in the most deadly 
encounters. The field officers had all received a military 
training. The regiment was mustered out of service at Harris- 
burg August 5, 1861. 

The roster of Company K, with regiment, is most inter- 
esting to this generation comprising, as it does, some of the 
best-known of Pittsburgh's young men of the day, and many 
who in later days became prominent in business of our great 
city. William C. Denny, captain, son of Honorable Harmar 
Denny and Elizabeth O'Hara Denny ; and James H. Childs, 
later colonel of 4th Cavalry and Algernon Sydney Mountain 
Morgan,^ his faithful lieutenants, could truthfully have 
been said to have been among the flower of Pittsburgh's 
chivalry of those exciting days. Capt. Thomas J. Brereton 
was a son-in-law of Honorable Harmar Denny and a graduate 
of West Point in 1843, one year prior to Alexander Hays, in 
which class William B. Franklin was No. i, and Ulysses S. 
Grant No. 21, while Capt. Brereton was No. 30. He had 
served in Mexico and mention of his military service is to be 
found herein, among those of the West Point classes pre- 
viously mentioned. Capt. Brereton acted as assistant adju- 
tant-general of Penn.sylvania for the years 18G1-1862. He is 
best known in Pittsburgh as the commander of the Allegheny 
Arsenal in 1857 and 1858 and for his long residence on the 
slope of Herron Hill, on what is now Melwood Avenue. 

Of these early Pittsburgh volunteer soldiers [of 1861], 
two became brigadier generals and brevet major generals, 
United States volunteers, Alexander Hays and Joseph B. Kid- 
doo, and the last name on the roll, the highest rank attainable 
in the army of the United States, and he needs no introduction 
to Pittsburgh or the country at large, and his name always 
looks good — Samuel Baldwin Marks Young, and he is proud to 
have been a private in Capt. Alexander Hays' City Guards. 

Four of Company K became colonels or lieutenant- 
colonels, to-wit : Childs [Fourth Cavalry], ATorgan [63rd], 
Bonnafon [78th], Cain [155th] ; three became majors — 
McCandless [Fifth Cavalry], Parke [Fourth Cavalry], Col- 
tart of Company B [Fourth Cavalry]. Five became captains: 
Chapman [63rd], Denniston [155th], Chalmers [63rd], Baga- 

1 Colonel Morgan died 1914 



Letters From Camp 125 

ley [63rd], Robinson [Fourth Cavalry], and a number of 
others obtained commissions, and among them George P. 
Corts, Alexander Hays' "fidus Achates" in the 63rd Regiment 
of which Corts was the first adjutant. James P. Fleming was 
a lieutenant in Hampton's Battery [F, Independent Pennsyl- 
vania Artillery], and many of the men re-enlisted and obtained 
non-commissioned rank, such as Robert Stanford, first ser- 
geant of Company K of the 63rd Regiment, who left an arm 
at Spottsylvania ; and William Logan a gallant sergeant of 
Company I of the 155th Regiment under Capt. Samuel A. 
McKee, formerly of Company A of the 12th who fell at 
Petersburg, June 18, 1864. 

Henry W. Oliver, Jr., is perhaps the best known name 
in Pittsburgh business circles, and A. Filson Dalzell has been 
for many years adjutant of General Alexander Hays Post 
No. 3, G. A. R., of this city. The "City Guards" was 
good soldier stock, and as seen, a nucleus for many subsequent 
commands. 

LETTERS HOME 

The following letters written home by General Hays will 
give additional details of the "three months' service" in 1861 
— and the major's troubles and longings and his desire to rise 
to an appropriate command in more active service. 

The letters are all to Mrs. Hays and are the first of a 
long series : 

MAJOR HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Curtin, May 7, 1861.^ 

"Our afifairs have been so unsettled and the weather so 
dreadful, cold and wet, that it has interfered with every 
attempt to write. 

"We were obliged to bring our men into town, but the 
weather has now settled, and this is a beautiful morning, so 
that all must go into camp again. 

"The camp has been christened 'Camp Cvirtin,' in honor 
[I wish I could say 'in memory'] of our governor. 

"I have found out that I am expected to do the greatest 
amount of labor, and also furnish brains for 'our brigade.' 
No matter, for the fact is already acknowledged here. 

"My 'City Guards' are acknowledged to be the crack 
company of the army in drill, discipline and behavior, which 
latter has been exceptional. 

1 Camp Curtin at Harrisburg, the great rendezvous of Pennsyl- 
vania troops during the entire war. 



126 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"Camp Scott, York, Pa., May 9, 1861. 

"I have hardly time to say much of horses, but I have 
a new one — a coal-black — and 'Aleck' has christened him 
'Gilbert,' so that my family consists of Gilbert, Davy and 
Aleck. I was up very early this morning attending to the 
company drills." 

"Headquarters 12th Regiment. Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

"York, May 10, 1861. 

"Since I have had an opportunity to regulate my own 
time, I have w^ritten home once each day. In order to accom- 
plish this I rise at 4 o'clock A. M., as soon as the morning 
gun is fired, and while 'reveille' is beaten, stir up the 'City 
Guards,' to set an example to other companies. 

"The young 'guards' are now established as the Color 
Company of the 12th Regiment and the colors of the guards 
have been adopted as the regimental colors, a very high com- 
pliment not only to the company, but to the young ladies 
Avho presented them. 

"They are conceded to be the most perfect combination 
of soldiers and gentlemen that Curtin has yet called into the 
service of the honorable commonwealth. 

"I consider myself the military, physical and moral 
guardian of the 'City Guards,' and as such I will remain until 
I return the bodies of its members, with or without bullet 
holes through them, as Providence ma}' direct, to their homes 
and families. 

"If necessary, upon my authority you may contradict any 
reports tending to show the demoralization of our camp, or 
that the men are not well fed. They are deficient in many 
things, from dereliction of duty in high officials, but to the 
credit of the camp, the morale is good." 

"Harrisburg, May 12, 1861. 

"I have been to see the governor and other notables in 
hopes of promotion, and have hopes to accomplish my object, 
although the governor is down upon everybody from Pitts- 
burgh. I am an applicant for a regiment, to be formed 
entirely of Allegheny raftsmen, or else to be colonel of the 
cavalry regiment." 

"Camp Scott, near York, Pa., May 15th, 1861. 

"Yesterday we had a grand parade through the streets 
of York. The sight of 4,000 men on parade is something new 
for this country, and in the entire crowd no party attracts 
more attention than Major H. and his black charger, Gilbert! 
How modest! 'Gilbert' is in training and I expect to be able 
to cause him to He down when the men lie down in square. 



Letters From Camp 127 



"In the new levy of troops I have reason to hope for an 
improved condition. Although the governor is down upon 
Pittsburghers, I think I have influence to overcome his preju- 
dice in my case. I will be an applicant for an independent 
regiment, or perhaps for the dragoons." 

"Camp Scott, near York, Pa., Wednesday, May i6, 1861. 

"My time, excepting in the morning from 5 to 8 o'clock, 
is occupied until after 5 o'clock P. M. and then I am generally 
too tired to do anything. My horse is at the door at 8, and 
constantly in use until evening. 

"We get along finely, and you may say to everybody that 
the equal of 'the City Guards' as gentlemen and soldiers, 
cannot be found. I am proud of them." 

"May 19th, 1861. 

"For some days past I have been the president of a gen- 
eral courtmartial, and tried several hard cases. One, a desper- 
ate fellow, for 'assault and battery with intent to kill.' He 
was sentenced to be 'driven out of the service,' and as nobody 
else understood the very delicate [?] duty, I was of course, 
detailed to see the sentence carried out. So far as I have 
heard, the performance gave general satisfaction, both to sol- 
diers and citizens. Upon the former it had the desired eflFect, 
and men heretofore boisterous, are as quiet as lambs. 

"That the 12th, 13th, and i6th, were, by a juggling trick, 
read out of the service, was true, but I believe the matter 
has been settled, as no man, whatever his station, would dare 
to send them home in the present state of the country. It is 
my intention to accept any preferment that may be oflfered, 
and I am seeking either the command of an independent 
infantry regiment, or command of the regiment of dragoons, 
which is to be raised." 

"May 23, 1861. 
"The attempt to force our men into the regular three 
years' service has produced much excitement, and as an evi- 
dence of my standing among the men, I am constantly 
consulted by officers and men to teach them their duty. I 
have the entire confidence of the regiment." 

"Cockeysville, May 26, 1861. 
"You have heard of our move from York. Our regiment 
b stationed along the Northern Central Railroad, for its pro- 
tection. I am at the head of the left wing, which includes 
'the Grays,' 'City Guards,' 'Zouave Cadets,' and two com- 
panies from Lawrence County. The 'Guards' are three miles in 
the rear, in care of the bridge over Gunpowder River. It is 



128 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays, 



a very important watch. I have a guard with me, Roberts*^ 
Zouaves,^ who arrived yesterday evening, and relieved a 
company of the ist Regiment. 

"This is the worst secession hole upon the whole line,, 
and the previous guards have been fired upon several times. 

"The extreme guards another important bridge, and along 
our whole line are the bridges burned some time ago, but 
now rebuilt. All citizens, niggers and dogs are required to 
'keep ofif the track,' under penalty of being shot. It is now 
II o'clock, and three alarms have been fired, which is all, 
however in consequence of the nervousness of the Zouaves, as 
I really doubt that we have been molested at all. We must, 
however, keep guard. 

"I have really not had three hours sleep in three days, 
but my voice is as good as ever, as I found in recalling a 
squad of skirmishers who were after supposed bridge-burners. 
The ringleader of the bridge-burning, whose house is in sight, 
was arrested the day before yesterday, and is now a prisoner 
in Fort McHenry." 

"Cockeysville, Baltimore County, Md., May, 1861. 

"It is now nearly 2 o'clock, A. M., but I am not asleep, 
so I will give you a little letter. I have written seven letters 
tonight, and will finish with this to you. 

"We have received no pay, and no prospect of receiving 
any. I am still dependent on the bounty of friends, and must 
remain so until the paymaster comes. 

"Advise all the friends of the 'City Guards' that they are 
worthy of all commendation." 

"Cockeysville, Md., May 28, 1861. 

"I have six companies of the regiment in my division, 
with Roberts' Zouave Cadets as an especial bodyguard. They 
require my constant attention, but are good boys. 

"When we move I cannot say, but it is pretty certain 
our destination will be Harper's Ferry. Forty transportation 
cars for troops have been ordered this night towards 
Baltimore, which portends present movement." 



"May 31, 1861. 

"I captured three young men implicated in the cutting 
of the telegraph wires. They are now in prison at York. I 

1 Company I. Roberts' Zouaves, or the "Pittsburgh Zouave 
Cadets," of which R. Biddle Roberts, a prominent lawyer, was orig- 
inally captain, later colonel of the 1st Pennsylvania Reserves, and 
subsequently aide-de-camp on Governor Curtin's staff on active duty. 
Roberts did not serve with the company. 



Letters From Camp 129 



know not why all the dirty work should fall to me, but I 
would pray to be excused from witnessing the agony of 
mothers, wives and sisters, when their loved ones are torn 
away. But such is war! It is justified, as we will make 
Maryland a sound Union state. 

"Tomorrow morning we march upon Lawsontown, to 
capture the parties who burned the bridges. All will be 
excitement. Court is held in town, and a rebel company of 
cavalry parades there tomorrow. I will take with me the 
'City Guards,' the 'Zouave Cadets' and the Washington 
County company.^ I will have too strong a force to meet 
with resistance, but if I do, God help the rebels. 

"How long we will remain here I cannot say, probably 
ID days. We are destined for Harper's Ferry, but we will 
have no fight. They will back out. 

"It is now after lo o'clock and we have two sentinels 
arrested for sleeping at their posts. Most of my rest is taken 
at intervals through the 24 hours, as I can catch it. The 
boys wonder why I am always awake." 



"Cockeysville, June 17, 1861. 

"I missed the train at Harrisburg and went to Columbia, 
and thence to York, where I arrived late Saturday. I took 
the morning train at 4 o'clock and arrived here about 7 o'clock. 
Immediately on my arrival I met Colonel Campbell, who 
requested me to go down with him to Mellvale, as a trouble 
was announced in Stewart's company, the Firemen's Legion. 
Arriving at Mellvale we found that a meeting had occurred 
the night before. Four men of the company had absented 
themselves and were drunk. Capt. Stewart sent a guard of 
three, but they refused to return. Another guard of four men 
was sent after them, but they resisted, and succeeded in 
obtaining a musket from one of the guard. The captain then 
sent six men, with orders to bring them in dead or alive. On 
the arrival of this guard they were fired upon by the muti- 
neers with the musket and revolvers, when the sergeant of the 
guard gave the order to fire. One of the mutineers, known 
as 'Loafer Bell,' was killed instantly, shot with four balls, 
another, Knox, had his elbow terribly shattered by a ball. 
The other two then surrendered. We buried Bell in an igno- 
minious grave. Knox is in the hospital. The other two are 
in Fort McHenry, and will be tried on Tuesday, and undoubt- 
edly be sentenced to be shot. Capt. Stewart, his sergeant 
and men deserve, and have received the highest commenda- 

1 There were two companies from Washington County in the 
12th Regiment, E, from Washington, Capt. James Armstrong, and 
G, from Monongahela City, Capt. Robert F. Cooper. 



130 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



tions for their energetic conduct on the occasion. Enough 
of tragedy.^ 

"I have not much hope that this regiment of ours will 
be relieved from duty as railroad guards until the three 
months' time expires. Arrangements are being made to call 
in sufficient number of companies to fill up the regiment. 

''I saw Judge Pearson, and he will send me a letter to 
Cameron.- I will apply for the regular army." 

"Cockeysville, Md., June 20th, 1861. 

"I telegraphed to you this morning that I had received 
the tender of a captaincy in the U. S. Army. Of course I 
cannot accept it, although I do not intend to decline it 
abruptly. I wrote to Cameron at once and requested authority 
to raise a regiment, which I offered in 10 days' notice. I 
believe he will accept my offer, and if I am backed by my 
friends. I feel certain of it. 

"The I2th Regiment has gone to sticks, and will return 
home, unconditionally, at the expiration of three months — 
25th July. The news that I will not probably remain with 
the regiment, has complet^ed what the want of capacity in 
others began." 

"June 20th, 1861. 

"You will have learned that I have been tendered a cap- 
taincy, but that is too small a bait, as I require one large 
enough for a wife and seven children. 

"It is said to be all that now can be offered, although I 
might have done much better had I applied earlier. Never 
mind, we will have some consolation, and if I am not appre- 
ciated I can return to private life, and we will slide down 
the other side of the hill of life together. I have no fear of 
the future. I was in Baltimore and at Fort IMcHenry, day 

1 Capt. John H. Stewart, Company C, "The Firemen's Legion 
of Pittsburgh." Stewart was, after the war, sheriff of Allegheny 
County and postmaster of Pittsburgh during Grant's administration. 
He served also as captain in the "Union Cavalry of Pittsburgh," 
which became Company G of the 1st Maryland Cavalry. From all 
the evidence in the case of the trouble in Company C, 12th Regi- 
ment, it was downright mutiny and properly and rigorously stamped 
out as indicated. Frederick Dierst of Pittsburgh, one of the few 
survivors of the 12th Regiment, who served in Company C, states 
that these culprits were sentenced to death, but pardoned by Presi- 
dent Lincoln. One of these men, Joseph Davis, served nearly four 
years in the 61st Pennsylvania Regiment, and redeemed himself. 
The right name of the man killed was Robert Bell and not to be 
confounded with Bazel Bell of the same company, killed in battle 
while serving in the 102nd Pennsylvania Volunteers. Dierst further 
states that the mutineers were fired on by direct orders from Lieut.- 
Colonel McGiffin, in command of the battalion. 

2 The Secretary of War. 



Letters From Camp 131 



before yesterday, I met many old friends, who welcomed me 
very warmly. I was engaged on business with the court- 
martial which tries the mutineers. I think they will be shot, 
but hope that duty will not devolve upon me, as all other 
dirty ones have, if, however, it does, I will do it right." 

"Cockeysville, June 24, 1861. 

"One month from today the 'City Guards' will have 
served for the period of three months, and may then be ex- 
pected in Pittsburgh. What will become of me I am unable 
to say, but we will see. 

"You are aware that I have been tendered a captaincy. 
I will go to Washington tonight and see Cameron. I have 
applied to raise a regiment, and pledged one to be ready for 
orders in 10 days' time. The captaincy I will not accept, and 
should I be refused, what I believe is due to me, I will retire 
altogether from the service, to spend my life in peace. I am 
determined to play second fiddle to no ambitious ignoramus." 

General Hays was evidently much piqued when he indited 
this letter and it can well be doubted that his martial soul 
would have rested in peace with the sounds of war continually 
in his ears. The war was young in June, 1861. That was 
before Bull Run and the new awakening after Sumter. Perish 
the thought that Alexander Hays could have remained silent 
in his tent and that he would leave the field, is untenable also. 
In March, 1864, with the rank of brigadier general of volun- 
teers, he went to his death with a reduced command, and said 
nothing about resigning. War was war then, and three years 
had left the only impress possible — the North must conquer. 

"Cockeysville, June 29th, 1861. 

"I have been in high places since I wrote last. I visited 
Washington in company with Lieut. Childs ^ on Tuesday 
last, on business. I saw and was kindly received by all the 
big guns. My reception by Cameron and General Scott was 
very flattering. I still hope that the Secretary of War will 
confer an appointment which I can accept in the regular 
service. He gave consent to recruit this regiment [the 12th], 
and in that case I will be lieutenant-colonel. I met a large 
number of old army acquaintances, who were all glad to see 
me, and pleased that I had a prospect of returning to the 
service. 

"My business at Washington embraced the matter of 
our pay. I now have the payrolls made out, and will be paid 
in a few days. We have received no pay yet." 

1 1st Lieut. James H. Childs, Company K, later colonel of the 
4th Pennsylvania Cavalry, killed at Antietam. 



132 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"July 3rd, 1861. 

"My reception by Mr. Secretary Cameron was very flat- 
tering, and there can be no doubt that if I had made applica- 
tion in time I would have been appointed to a higher and 
important office. As it is, I am only a captain of regulars, and 
that I cannot accept. 

"I have lost my position by devoting myself to 'The City 
Guards,' and the 12th Regiment. I think now it is due me 
from the citizens of Pittsburgh that the men of influence 
petition Cameron in my behalf. My merits are admitted by 
Cameron, and my appointment would be satisfactory to the 
officers of the regular army. If the influential men of Pitts- 
burgh ask anything for me before the 15th, of this month, I 
shall obtain it." 

Alexander Hays, a graduate of West Point, an officer of 
the United States regular army, and veteran of a previous 
war, was undoubtedly justified in seeking as high a rank as 
he could obtain. His efforts and his ambition find a striking 
counterpart in those of his "old army chum," Capt. U. S. 
Grant, to obtain recognition and preferment, which came in 
due season, and then the world wondered why the delay. 

"July 6th, 1861. 

"In a few days over two weeks this regiment will be dis- 
banded if it does not disband itself sooner. The truth is the 
men have been treated in a shameful manner, and are disposed 
to become refractory, as their time draws to a close. The 
worst of it is that Campbell takes little interest in the dis- 
cipline and leaves it to me.^ I am determined that they shall 
not disgrace themselves while I am connected with them, and 
as a consequence I have a large number in 'durance vile.' 

"Night before last I was out on an expedition in search 
of arms, and took with me two men and Lieut. Morgan." ^ 

"Cockeysville, July 12th, 1861. 
"I am under many obligations to you and the friends 
who have moved so zealously in my behalf to obtain a position 
in the army. I have been so much flattered lately that I begin 
to believe I could discharge the duties, even in the U. S. A., 
creditably. There is not the least doubt as to the individual 
who is the responsible and reliable field officer in the J2th 

1 David Campbell of Pittsburgh, colonel of tho 12th Regiment, 
and later for short periods, colonel of both 4th and 5th Regiments, 
Pennsylvania Cavalry. 

2 2nd Lieut. A. S. M. Morgan of Company K, 12th Regiment 
of Pittsburgh, later lieutenant-colonel of the 63rd Regiment, Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers, often mentioned. Colonel Morgan died in 1914. 



Letters From Camp 133 



Regiment. The War Department knows it, the railroad com- 
pany knows it, the citizens of Maryland know it, and the 
officers, non-commissioned officers and privates of the regiment 
know it, and take every occasion to express their sentiments. 
You will hear a loud expression of it after we return home. 
'T do not feel concerned about a position, as the lieuten- 
ant-colonel of the I2th is open and I am the acknowledged 
incumbent." ^ 

"July 22, 1861. 
"Thursday, next, terminates the period of our service, 
and I suppose that orders are already issued for our relief 
from duty, although we have not yet received any. Campbell 
has gone to Washington today. 

"A. H." 

Headquarters Twelfth Regiment, 

Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
ORDERS. Cockeysville, July 25th, 1861. 

Sir: 

You will proceed with companies "C" and "K" to 
Pittsburgh, Penna., to be mustered out of service. 

You are authorized to make the necessary 
arrangements for the transportation of the men under 
your command. 

David Campbell 
Colonel Commanding. 
TO MAJOR ALEXANDER HAYS 

General George B. McClellan had on the day the follow- 
ing letter was written, assumed command of the Division of 
the Potomac at Washington. He had passed through Pitts- 
burgh a few days previously fresh from the scenes of his 
early victories in Western Virginia and had been a major 
general in the U. S. A. since May 4, 1861. Having been two 
years at West Point with Major Hays, they were well 
acquainted as will later develop. 

"Pittsburgh, July 27th, 1861. 
"Major General George B. McClellan, U. S. A., 
"General : 

"I have arrived at home after three months' service, with 
the only regret that I was not permitted to see you personally 
in our own city. 

"The regiment with which I have served will be dis- 

1 There were many of the opinion that the three months regi- 
ments from Pennsylvania would be reorganized for the three years 
service, but excepting the 11th and 23rd, all such were given new 
numbers. A notable instance is the "Old 13th," Colonel Thomas A. 
Rowley, which went out again as the 102nd in the Pennsylvania 
line. 



134 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



banded, and it is the almost unanimous request of our most 
influential citizens, as well as the desire of the men who have 
served with me, that I lead out another regiment forthwith. 

"All that is required for prompt action is authority from 
the Honorable Secretary of War. 

"If your confidence in me will justify it, will you add your 
solicitations to that of our citizens, and give me an early reply ? 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex Hays." 
"Major I2th Regiment, Penna. Vols." 

It appears from the foregoing that Major Hays came to 
Pittsburgh some days before the formal muster out of the 
I2th Regiment, so eager was he to obtain the authority to 
recruit a new regiment and put his plans into active progress. 

While yet in service with the 12th Regiment, Mrs. Hays, 
deeply solicitious for her husband's advancement, addressed 
a letter to the Secretary of War as follows : 

"Pittsburgh, July 11, 1861. 
"Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War, 
"Sir: 

"I am the wife of Major Alexander Hays, now of the 
I2th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and late of the 
U. S. A. You may not be personally acquainted with my hus- 
band, but I understand you are an old friend of my father-in- 
law. General Samuel Hays, of Venango County. My object 
in writing is to lay before you the enclosed petition, signed 
by the most prominent citizens of Pittsburgh, for the appoint- 
ment of my husband to a colonelcy in the regular army. I 
was not aware of the existence of this paper, so honorable 
to my husband, till this morning, when it was placed in my 
hands ; and upon reflection I have concluded to send it direct 
to you, instead of intermediately through one less interested 
in the issue. It may be improper for me to add a line to the 
high testimonial before you, but permit me to say I have in 
my house a sword presented to my husband. Major Hays, for 
his gallantry at Palo Alto, where he took the first gun of the 
enemy's battery ; and another sword presented to him by the 
Texas Rangers; also a medal presented to him by the Louisi- 
ana Volunteers, for his gallantry throughout the war with 
Mexico. These are memorials to me and my children that 
my husband has been loyal to his country in the past, and 
I am sure if you give him the opportunity, in a position he 
deserves, he will bring home when the war is over, new tro- 
phies to inspire the patriotism of his children, or lay down his 
life for his country. W^ith much respect, 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Annie E. Hays." 



Letters From Camp 135 

This letter and the influences mentioned were effective, 
and the orders of the War Department are evidenced in the 
following exhibits : 

ADVERTISEMENTS PROM PITTSBURGH PAPERS, 
AUGUST 3, 1861. 

COLONEL ALEXANDER HAYS 

By virtue of the authority derived from the Hon. 
Secretary of War, I will organize a regiment for serv- 
ice during the war, to rendezvous at Pittsburgh, on or 
before the 15th instant. The regiment will consist of 
ten [10] companies, and each company will be organ- 
ized as follows : One captain, one first lieutenant, one 
second lieutenant, one first sergeant, four sergeants, 
eight corporals, two musicians, one wagoner and 
eighty-two [82] privates — loi aggregate. Assurance 
is given of prompt, active and honorable service. Com- 
manders of companies or detachments and individuals 
desirous of taking part in the struggle which will 
determine the permanency of our free institutions, 
can report at once at No. 64 Fourth street, formerly 
Adams Express office. 

Alexander Hays, 

Colonel. 

Old residents will remember that Fourth street is now 
Fourth avenue and next to the Farmers Bank was the Hays 
recruiting office, the bank's number being then 66. 

Headquarters Sixth Cavalry, 
Camp Scott, near Pittsburgh, 
ORDERS. August 25, 1861, 

I. Capt. Alex Hays, Sixteenth Infantry, U. S. A., 
having been appointed colonel of volunteers, he is 
hereby assigned, with his full rank as colonel of vol- 
unteers, to command of all the troops at Camp Wil- 
kins, and he will be obeyed and respected accordingly. 
H. He will push forward, with utmost rapidity, 
the organization of companies, and as each company is 
mustered into service, he will dispatch it promptly to 
W^ashington to report to the adjutant general of the 
army. When the tenth company of his own regiment 
is mustered into service he will repair with it to join 
his regiment. 

HI. A. Q. M. Ekin will provide transportation 
for all troops Colonel Hays may send forward. 
By order of the Secretary of War, 

W. H. Simons, 

Lieut.-Colonel 6th Cav., U. S. A. 
Approved, 

L. THOMAS, Adt. Gen'I. 
September 27, 1861. 



136 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

In the meantime Major Hays had been reappointed to 
the regular army. This appointment he did not accept, pre- 
ferring to await some higher appointment in the volunteer 
service, which he felt was sure to come. 

WAR DEPARTMENT 

Washington, June 19, 1861. 
Sir: 

You are hereby informed that the President of the United 
States has appointed you captain in the i6th Regiment of In- 
fantry, in the service of the United States, to rank as such 
from the 19th day of June, 1861. 

Should you accept, you will at once report in person, for 
orders, to the colonel of your regiment [Colonel A. Porter, 
Sixteenth Infantry] at Chicago, 111. 

Simon Cameron, 
Secretary of War. 
CAPTAIN ALEXANDER HAYS, 
16th Regiment Infantry. 

The result of the influences as a whole and the known 
record of Colonel Hays in the war with ]\Iexico, were most 
potent in the formation of his new regiment — later the fam^ous 
63d Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

Colonel Porter, it may be remarked, commanded the First 
Brigade of Major General Hunter's division at the first battle 
of Bull Run, though the Sixteenth Infantry was not in the 
battle. Alexander Plays missed the first battle at that fam.ous 
run. He did not miss the second and he was in service in 
the vicinity for six eventful months, as will appear. 



CHAPTER XL 

THE 6 3RD PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS 
AROUND WASHINGTON 

F NOTHING else were wanting to form an estimate of 
the great heart and depth of affection of Alexander Hays, 
letters written from camp and field would be amply suffi- 
cient. During the hours when he should have been sleeping, 
and amidst the constant interruptions of official duties, on the 
battle line — in any place — at any time — these letters to wife 
and dear ones, reveal the innate kindness and characteristics 
of the husband and father as well as the soldier. The general 
never minces words. He speaks right out; he writes often, 
for in another hour he may be among the slain. He is loyal 
to his comrades. He believes in George B. McClellan. His 
first brigadier, Charles D. Jameson of Maine, who died the 
next year, appeals to him as a man and a soldier. Phil. 
Kearney conies to command the division. Two strong lights 
blend, and there is magnificent brilliancy ; Kearney and Hays 
— both die. Both names are forever emblazoned on the 
"eternal camping ground," for fame is kind as well as great, 
and never passes by the worthy and the deserving. 

Alexander Hays' thoughts never stray from home and 
loved ones. He writes lovingly. He writes often — daily 
when possible. He sends his wife his pay. The little details 
of the home do not escape him. He advises; he requests; he 
makes merry. Love is the theme of his heart and love per- 
vades all his home correspondence. "There may come a day," 
he doubtless thought, "when I shall write no more, so I 
write each time the feelings of my heart; I will write its 
burnings and its longings, its desires and antipathies. I write 
my soul in words that shall live and ever say T was loyal to 
God, my country and my loved ones,' and love shall live in 
my expressed thoughts when the heart is still." 

And it was even so. 

137 



138 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

The gossip of camp and field does not escape him. Mrs. 
Hays, who has often visited the camp, knows many of the 
boys of the 63rd Regiment. He tells of them. He tells all 
one would want to know. 

To his revered father-in-law, John B. McFadden of Pitts- 
burgh, he writes as to an elder brother, newsy, bright letters 
that one friend and patriot would write another friend and 
patriot. When Alexander Hays cannot write, his faitliful 
adjutant, Corts, with ready pen, does so for him, or "Billy" 
McGranahan, the sergeant major. Soldiers and friends both 
these, and they write in the spirit of the man they write 
for, and in the spirit of the battle that portends. 

In the formation of the grand Army of the Potomac, 
Alexander Hays is not without trouble and tribulation. He 
is ambitious ; he is proud ; he is devoted ; his regiment is the 
best. He disparages sometimes, for he is human and was in 
the midst of alarms, in the hurly-burly of the early days of 
the Civil War. He saw men epauletted and uniformed in 
splendor; he saw these men, pompous and important on 
dress parade — some good drillmasters, some good executives, 
all of some ability. He does not see these men on the skirm- 
ish line, and he also misses them when the battle line advances. 
He looks in vain for them when the charge is made, and finds 
them not, and he expresses his contempt. 

But it was so also in other regiments. The winnowing 
and sifting process went on daily until only soldiers remained 
when the process was completed. The soldier of the flame of 
smoke and hell is the soldier of song and story. The epau- 
lette is the symbol of rank and pomp. The powder stain is 
the enemy's tribute, and he who gains it must be close to 
that enemy. Alexander Hays and his men were ever close 
to the enemy. In the glowing and hearty letters of Alexander 
Hays there is much to admire, much to study — they are 
graphic ; they are soulful, they tell of "arms and the man" — 
they tell vividly of war. 

The 63rd Regiment, owing to the great necessity for 
troops in Washington, left Pittsburgh without a regimental 
organization. Two full companies and several squads, in all 
about 400 men, departed for what proved to be the front, on 
the 26th of August, 1861. Recruiting continued at Pittsburgh, 
during the month of September, and with three companies 



The 63rd Around Washington 139 

from outside the county of Allegheny, viz. : in Beaver, Clarion, 
Venango and Mercer counties, reporting to Colonel Hays at 
the old fair grounds at Penn and Twenty-eighth streets, Pitts- 
burgh, then known as Camp Wilkins, he was enabled to for- 
ward enough recruits to Washington to complete the regiment. 
A. S. M. Morgan of Pittsburgh was made lieutenant-colonel ; 
Maurice Wallace, also of Pittsburgh, major. George P. Corts 
was appointed adjutant and James M. Lysle, quartermaster. 
John T. Crawford was the first surgeon, promoted to brigade 
surgeon in a few weeks and succeeded by W. H. Worthington, 
transferred to the 99th Regiment in February, 1862, and James 
K. Rodgers from that regiment took his place. James A. 
McFadden was assistant surgeon. Charles W. McHenry was 
the first sergeant major but Colonel Hays promoted him to 
be captain of Company G, and he was succeeded by Solomon 
Kline, Rev. James Junius Marks, who had been chaplain of 
the I2th Regiment, filled the same position in the new regi- 
ment. William P. Hunker was appointed qviartermaster 
sergeant, and Jacob Lonerbaugh, commissary sergeant ; 
Charles D. Schrieves, hospital steward ; John Howenstine 
was principal musician, and Robert C. Hawkins the leader 
of the regimental band, and that band was a good one. The 
band instruments were donated by personal friends of Colonel 
Hays in Pittsburgh, and they were the finest that could be 
had and the 63rd's band soon became famous in the army 
and is frequently spoken of in the colonel's letters and 
in Mrs. Hays'. The various happenings in camp and the inci- 
dents of the service are so carefully and fully detailed in the 
letters that no comments will be made here. 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Hays, near Washington, D. C, Sept. 18, 1861. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I am here safe and sound, and if you had witnessed my 
reception you would be disposed to jealousy. This family of 900 
children were frantic, and if ever a poor parent was hugged 
to death, I came near suffering. I was very much pleased 
with my regiment, as I ought to be, for it pleases everybody 
else. We are still engaged arming and equipping, which is 
very tedious, and requires the time of all my staff. I hope 
Corts will arrive today. 

"I have met many old acquaintances, and met with a 
most cordial reception from all. 



140 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"I cannot as yet see General McClellan though I was 
invited by his adjutant general to call upon him. As a general 
thing, the general is invisible, although not green. In the 
adjutant general's, quartermaster's and all other departments, 
I have been recognized as a regular, which gives me great 
advantage. 

"Feeling some concern for my regiment, I expressed 
some anxiety to Seth Williams,^ General Mac's head man, 
and was assured that the general would see me in the right 
place. There is less anxiety felt here for the safety of Wash- 
ington than you feel at home. We move under restrictions, 
as every officer is required to carry a pass, no matter what 
his rank. I will now close this, which will be carried by Lieut. - 
Colonel Morgan, who goes home, and will tell you much more 
than I can write. My warmest love to all the little and big 
Hayses, and everybody else, and God bless you all. I will 
bring up all my correspondence square in a short time, and 
then^ntend to keep it so. .your husband, 

"Alex. Hays." 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Hays, near Washington, 

,,-r. ,,.., "September 26th, 1861. 

Dear Wife: '^ 

"I have made several attempts to write, but I have been 
very busy, and so much engaged in the affairs of the regiment 
that I could not concentrate my mind upon a letter, even to 
my dear wife. 

"I received yours by Robinson this morning, and I assure 
you it gave me great satisfaction, very great. It afforded 
relief from the incessant annoyance of my family of 1,046 
children. Sometimes I think every one of them regards me 
as appointed for his own especial convenience, and I lose my 
constitutional equanimity of temper, but the poor fellows 
take my ebullitions so kindly that I feel sorry that I am 
obliged to scold. 

"I ought to be, as I am, very proud of my regiment. 
Already there is not in the service a more subordinate or 
better disciplined one. My word appears to be gospel to 
them, from the major down to the 'nigger cook,' who gives 
us daily food. My intercourse with the various departments 
has been exceedingly pleasant. I find everywhere old friends, 
who welcome me back to my old trade. We, I mean the 63rd, 
are spoken of as The Regiment, and I am only afraid that 
too much will be expected from us. I must say so far my 
highest expectations have been realized. Though sadly defi- 

1 Major-General Seth Williams, West Point, class of 1842, 
adjutant-general of the Army of the Potomac, and adjutant at 
West Point 1850-1853. 



The 63rd Around Washington 141 



cient in drill, perfect order reigns everywhere. It is now 
after 'taps,' lo o'clock, and I have just returned from an 
observation. Everything is as quiet and orderly as if the 
encampment was of veteran regulars. I rarely hear through 
the day a profane or improper word, and our guard tents 
have been almost wanting of occupants. Our equipment is 
progressing rapidly, the men are well fed, and a jollier crew 
I never saw. This day has been the President's fasting and 
prayer. The only duty required of the men was to brush up 
and the most of them took advantage of the permission to 
do washing and ironing at a small stream which runs about 
half a mile from the camp. 

''The camp is within view of the Capitol, and half a mile 
distant. It is then about one mile to the dilTerent departments, 
from where we obtain our supplies. After guard-mounting, 
and I have signed the provision returns, and such papers 
as are permitted to be sent, I go with my quartermaster 
to the War Bureau to bore for supplies. In my quartermaster 
I have made a most judicious selection, and my adjutant 
can't be beat, even darkey Dick is a trump. 

"Daniel has not yet recovered from his disabilities, and 
I have used 'Leet Shields,' only since I came. *Leet' is uni- 
versally admired and appears to appreciate his distinction, 
if his arching neck and disposition to prance along the avenue 
is any indication of what a horse thinks. 

"We have already instituted a full-grown church, and 
Dr. Marks is also a trump. He has procured a very large 
tent and services are held regularly, whenever exemption from 
military duty permits the men to attend. Brother Danks 
leads off in evening prayer meetings. 

"The regiment is now entirely full, with a full band of 
field music, and I would like to have the children hear four- 
teen drums and ten fifes roll off reveille. I have also nearly 
a full regimental band and hope Morgan will make arrange- 
ments for the instruments with Kleber before he leaves 
Pittsburgh. Rippey is encamped near us, but has only 500 
men, and fears are entertained that he will yet fail in raising 
his regiment. 

"Perhaps I may be a brigadier when next I write. Who 
knows ? 

"Take it all-in-all, I am perfectly satisfied thus far. 

"I might write much more which would be of interest 
to all at home. The country within sight is dotted white 
with the encampments of many regiments, and the roads are 
thronged with teams loaded with the material of war. 

"Occasionally we see the vast balloon going up on its 
message of reconnoissance, and hourly hear the artillery of 
the forts beyond the river practicing for the coming ball. 
The 63rd will be there, and if Providence favors, it will tell 
a tale in history, or I am deceived. 



142 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"Our guns are intended for close work, and we will be 
able to furnish our enemies with a treat of ball and buckshot, 
with a dessert of cold steel, for of such are the 63rd 'Mudsills.' 

"I ought to quit, for all except the guards are asleep, and 
I must be up first in the morning. 

"As soon as I am able I will establish a regular time for 
correspondence with friends at home. Until then they must 
expect irregularity. The health of all is excellent, and T am 
pruning the regiment of all that may hereafter prove a physi- 
cal incumbrance. Dr. Crawford is fine and thorough as general 
pill-peddler of the establishment, and our 'country cousin' ^ 
may become his second, as Crawford pleads hard for him, 
and says he is an excellent surgeon. If he does, he will keep 
his place. 

"I have had a letter from Uncle James and you may say 
that all will be right. To cousin Tom, many thanks for his 
gold pen. It is invaluable, for I never had so much writing 
to do. A general invitation is hereby extended to all friends 
to stay away 'until further orders.' In arranging my companies 
I fear I will be obliged to overslaugh Bagaley as a lieutenant, 
and then where will be my favor in the eyes of their royal 
highnesses? 

"I have a captain to dispose of and may telegraph to 
Ben Bakewell to come on. 

"Next Sunday I will write again, and at as much length 
as possible. Fifteen minutes waking dream of your dear self 
and our pleasant home, and the colonel of the 63rd will ^ 

"On with his cap, out with the light, 
"Weariness bids the world good night." 

"God bless you all, that is a prayer which I can always 
sincerely utter. 

"Especially kind remembrance to Rachel I [McFadden] 
and to all friends. 

"Again I will write to Leet and the Economites for their 
favors. Love to Mag and Kate and their appendages. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

"Just to fill up this page I send a thousand kisses to all 
the little ones at home." 

1 The doctor here referred to was Mrs. Hays' cousin. 

2 The first instance of General Hays' favorite and oft-quoted 
lines from Hood's "Miss Kilmansegg and Her Precious Leg." Vide 
his description of "her fancy ball" and the stir in the neighborhood 
of "the Kilmanseggs' luminous mansion" on the night of its giving: 

On with the cap and out with the light, 
Weariness bids the world good night, 

At least for the usual season! 
But, hark! a clatter of horses' heels; 
And Sleep and Silence are broken on wheels, 

Like Wilful Murder and Treason! 



The 63 rd Around Washington 143 



ADJUTANT CORTS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Headquarters 63rd Regiment, Penna. Vols., 

"Camp Shields, near Washington City, 
"October ist, 1861 
"My Kind Friend : 

"I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your 
letters of 29th September and October ist, also the paint, 
brushes and needle books, all of which will have my attention 
and be properly applied for the benefit of the officers and mer 
in the 63rd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and a better, 
more orderly and genteel, and I will anticipate a little, and 
assure you a more effective regiment is not and cannot be 
brought into the service during the war. This may seem mere 
boast, but time will prove what I now assert. Since we came 
to this side of the river we have been so very busy getting 
the camp properly arranged and the men made comfortable, 
that but little time could be devoted to drilling. From this 
time forward the entire attention of all hands will be at drill. 
With the imperfect drilling heretofore given we can boast 
of having been highly complimented by all lookers-on, as we 
marched from Camp Hays to Camp Shields, for the general 
appearance of our regiment, this too, when we were but par- 
tially equipped. Hard to tell what they would have said if 
all had been fully uniformed, and not otherwise equipped. No 
doubt they would have expressed their feelings in the common 
and rather vulgar expression, 'ain't that a bully regiment,' 
and they would have only told us that which we were fully 
aware of and mighty proud we are, too. 

"The colonel is constantly to be found looking after the 
comfort of the men. Late and early he can be found some- 
where in the camp instructing in the many duties of officers 
and soldiers. Already he is loved by the men for his attention 
to their wants, and very soon they will worship him, or I am 
mistaken in human nature. 

"Our brigade consists of the 63rd [always first], 6ist, 
32nd and McKnight's regiment.^ The 6ist is Rippey's ; 32nd, 
a Philadelphia regiment. We are not entirely uniformed and 
equipped, but expect to be in a day or two. You asked me to 
inform you how the consolidation of companies was accom- 
plished. I am glad to say very agreeably to all. The Mercer 
county squad and Chapman's make one company; Mcx\ninch 
and Ormsby one company ; Venango and Armstrong counties 
one company; the others were recruited full. Our report this 
morning shows 1,038 men and officers, and when I tell you 
1,046 is a regiment, you know how near we are full, in fact, 
we have all we want at present. Captains of companies as 
they stand in line of battle: ist, Berringer; 2nd, Hanna ; 3rd, 

1 The 32nd Regiment renumbered the 99th Pennsylvania, 
McKnight's, the 105th Pennsylvania. 



144 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Danks; 4th, McHenry [assigned to command of the Venango 
and Armstrong squads, now the 'Morgan Guards'] ; 5th, Ryan; 
6th, Chapman; 7th, McCullough ; 8th, Reid; 9th, Ormsby;^ 
loth, Kirkwood.^ 

"George P. Corts." 

TO MR. JOHN B. McFADDEN. 

The 32nd Pennsylvania Regiment became later the 99th 
in line, the numeral 32nd being assigned in the renum- 
bering to the 3rd Pennsylvania Reserves. Colonel Amor A. 
McKnight's regiment became the 105th, the celebrated "Wild 
Cat Regiment" of Western Pennsylvania. Colonel McKnight 
was killed at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. The 105th re- 
mained with the 63rd in the same brigade until the expiration 
of the 63rd's term of service, when their recruits and veterans 
were transferred to the 105th. Colonel Romaine Lujeane of 
the 32nd Regiment resigned in November, 1861, and was 
succeeded by Thomas W. Sweeney, and in January, 1862, 
upon his resignation, Peter Fritz, Jr., became colonel. Both 
regiments were Kearney's men and wearers of the "Red 
Patch." 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Franklin's Brigade, Camp Shields, October 3, 1861. 

"Dear Wife : 

"I have many favors to acknowledge from friends at 
home, and most especially am I indebted to you for 3^our kind 
letters. They are the most cheering receipts, which I am 
called upon to sign. I have not written as often as I desire 
but a little time will remedy that defect, and I know you 
will be patient, when I assure you that I find full employment 
of my time. Often I sit down to write and find my mind 
wandering through the different departments of the war office 
at Washington, that I give up its control and abandon the 
eilfort to write. 

"The 63rd is now encamped upon 'the sacred soil of Vir- 
ginia,' about four miles from the Capitol. The ancient name 
of the location I find is Belleview, but we have rechristened it 

1 Spelled also Ormsbee and probably correct, as it occurs thus 
in the Pennsylvania records. 

-' Pittsburgh veterans acquainted with the 63rd Regiment and 
its history will not be able to recognize the companies by Adjutant 
Corts' designation by captains commanding, hence the following 
letter designations may be of service: 1st, Company A; 2nd, C; 
3rd, E; 4th, G; 5th, I; 6th, K; 7th, H; 8th, F; 9th, D; 10th, B. 



The 63rd Around Washington 145 

Shields. It is situated upon a high ridge overlooking the 
original slave mart of the Southern Confederacy [before it was 
born], Alexandria. 

"Within the limits of camp we have two fine country 
houses belonging to 'secesh' ladies. One of them is used for 
a courtmartial and the other is in possession of our friend, 
Dr. Crawford, as a hospital. The doctor has just read me a 
most excellent letter to the ladies of Pittsburgh, acknowledg- 
ing our hospital equipment. I will follow it with one to the 
Economites,^ and another, private, to the Shieldses. Speaking 
of Shields, 'Leet' is acknowledged to be the finest horse in 
the service. The men of the regiment appear to be more proud 
of him than I am. It is something to own such an animal, 
and to be able to exact the envy of 'mustang generals,' which 
'Leet' evidently understands, as he never comes near one of 
them without 'putting on extras.' 

"I sent the childrens' letters to Capt. Danks, which he 
returned with expressions of thanks, and satisfaction. He is 
an excellent man. 

"Looking out from my tent as I write, I see Dr. Marks' 
big tent above all others. He has done and is doing much 
good. Every evening we have service, which is well attended. 

"Altogether we have the best regiment in the service, and 
our friends need not fear of competition, although it may be 
a sorry day at home, the day we meet our enemy. I could 
not possibly ask more than I have realized from my regiment 
already, although they are far from perfect, but give evidence 
of a will and disposition to be whatever I wish. 

"I have written this before breakfast, and must now send 
if ofif, as the mail man leaves for Washington. 

"In a few days we will be paid and then I will send 
you my first pay as a colonel. 

"If there was any probability of our remaining here I 
would invite you and Miss Shields^ to visit us, but we may 
move any hour. 

"God bless you all. My love all around and I will endeavor 
to send it often. 

"Your Husband, 

"Alex." 

1 Economites — inhabitants of the town of Economy, Beaver 
County, Pennsylvania, a celebrated community — town of the Har- 
mony Society, now defunct. The society was a generous contributor 
to the 63rd Regiment and to the Union cause at large. The 
Economites were intimates and neighbors of the Hays and McFadden 
families. 

2 Miss Rebecca Shields, aunt of Capt. David Shields. 



146 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

COLONEL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Shields, Franklin's Brigade, October 3d, 1861. 

"John B. McFadden, Esq., 
"Dear Sir: 

"I am under many obligations, too numerous to mention 
in detail now, so I return this receipt in bulk. 

"In the first place, the box, whatever it may have con- 
tained, entrusted to young Wilson, was left by him on board 
the passenger cars at Harrisburg, and has never reached its 
destination. The boots, pants, hat, etc., arrived safely. The 
glass of Patrick's I think I will send back, as I would not 
like to have it imperiled by an accident.^ 

"I return by John Mclntyre the draft [$50.] which you 
sent. I have drawn the pay of a captain [i6th Infantry], 
for one month, which enables me to afford much relief to 
the indigent of the regiment, and that was all I required for 
the time. I will be entitled to the pay of colonel from the 
23rd August, ult., the greater portion of which I can 
transmit home. The old pay accounts between myself and 
Colonel Campbell are adjusted to my satisfaction. - 

"I am always very busy, which must account for any 
supposed neglect of friends at home. I never knew my capacity 
for business before, and it is too varied to explain its nature. 
I have never written so much in the same length of time in 
my life. I am first up in the morning, and the last in bed 
at night. My horse generally stands saddled before the tent, 
and I am everywhere, within 15 minutes after call. No regi- 
ment has a better reputation than mine, and so far as I have 
been able to ascertain, the confidence between commander 
and command is mutual. I never professed to make saints 
out of raw recruits, but I can defy any living man with the 
records of the dead, to prove a body of 1,050 men, whether 
they be denunciated 'roundheads or saints,' to show an equal 
number of men, among whom there is less to offend the most 
fastidious stickler for morality, for in two or three days I 
have heard but one profanation of the name of our Maker. 

"My guard house has no occupant, and when I write 
at II o'clock, the silence within our camp would do credit 
to a graveyard. 

"Rippey is encamped upon one side of me and it is pro- 
verbial that 'comparisons are odious,' but never was the fact 
stronger exemplified. Example is contagious, and I can ob- 
serve its effects, for our order extends beyond our lines. 

"The first event to mar our family peace occurred tonight, 
and that is of trifling importance. One of my lieutenants, an 

1 "Patrick" — Lieut. Patrick A. Farrelly, Mrs. General Hays' 
step-brother. Vide Appendix D. A field glass is referred to. 

2 Colonel David Campbell, 12th Pennsylvania Volunteers. 



The 63rd Around Washington 147 

excellent man, accidentally shot himself when returning from 
Alexandria — a mere flesh wound. 

"Young Bagaley/ in whom you take so much interest, 
is, I believe, finally installed in his place as second lieutenant, 
and is doing well in his place, and will continue to do so, 
provided no inter-meddling friends visit the regiment. 

"I am sorry to be obliged to report that James McF. 
was disqualified from holding the position of even hospital 
steward, and has been consequently reduced. No more of 
this, and entirely confidential. As for my other cousin. Dr. 
A., he was selected for assistant surgeon by Dr. Crawford, 
and may become so if he passes examination, but if he does 
not you may rest assured that he will be merely assistant 
surgeon, and no airs will be tolerated. I alone, command 
the regiment until further orders. 

"You ask me many questions, which I would be pleased 
to answer if I had time and space. I have not yet seen General 
McClellan for the reason that I would not intrude upon a 
man so much engaged. The reception I have received from 
his adjutant general and staff is sufficiently satisfactory, and 
I will 'bide my time,' for a personal interview. My friends 
need not be concerned. 

"I can think of no more, but rest, as I must be up first 
in the morning, and I will write again soon and often. 

"I left at the arsenal a crupper to be made for me [paid 
for]. Will you see it sent forward. Direct letters to Wash- 
ington, as usual. Our postmaster calls daily. I will keep 
an eye on young Cook's interests. Mowry is well and every- 
body's son else. I want you to send me every squib published 
in the papers, good or bad, concerning the regiment, in order 
that I may attend to it. 

"One word for the Economites and the Shieldses. I will 
write as soon as possible. Will you send me a statement of 
the disposition of the funds contributed by them for the regi- 
ment, and tell Leet Shields that 'Leet Shields' - is the admira- 
tion of the army and the idol of his owner. The men of the 
regiment take as much pride in him as I do, and I heard it 
remarked that 'old colonel looked devilish well in his new 
hat,' as I crossed the parade in my new outfit. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex Hays." 

1 Lieut. Theodore Bagaley of Company K of Pittsburgh, "who 
made good," and who was severely wounded with loss of arm at 
Malvern Hill June 30, 1862, and "discharged December 15, 1862, 
by reason of said disability." 

2 "Leet Shields," the colonel's horse, presented by the 
Shields family. 



148 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

The reference to relatives and the assurances that they 
have nothing to hope for on the grounds of relationship, show 
that Alexander Hays w^ould favor no undeserving ones. Both 
parties mentioned later secured commissions and served in 
active warfare. 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Shields, October 8th, 1861. 
"Dear Wife: 

"I have a mind to complain that I do not hear as often 
as I should from folks at home, but I will not, as I expect they 
will 'go and do likewise.' 

"Reveille has finished, and the coffee mills indicate the 
progress of breakfast. It rained heavily all night and my boys 
in many cases present the appearance of wet rats, but the 
morning is fine. It is election day and the paymaster is here, 
so that the ills of last night are already forgotten, for the 
cheer and song mingles with the rattle of camp kettles and 
mess pans. 

"The regiment still enjoys good health. Dr. Crawford 
is promoted to brigade surgeon, and will probably be assigned 
to our brigade. I want and think I will have a surgeon and 
assistant appointed for the regiment at once. 

"I informed you we were to enter Heintzelman's division. 
It is not settled who will be our brigadier, but since the boys 
have heard that Heintzelman was to command us they expect 
work. I overheard one fellow say that he had made his will 
before he enlisted under Alexander Hays, and now was glad 
of it. 

"Night before last I had a very severe attack of cholera 
morbus, and yesterday did not appear much among the men. 
It was worth being sick to discover the interest they took in 
me, and old Altman made a formal protest against my getting 
sick at all, as the regiment could not afford it. I have been 
writing this letter for two hours, and am so incessantly inter- 
rupted that it is almost next to impossible to write at all. 
The postmaster will soon be around and I must close it or 
defer sending until tomorrow. I expect with him today sev- 
eral letters from home. 

"Everything in which I am here concerned is as satisfac- 
tory as ever. Adjutant Corts is flying around very busy and 
full of importance. 

* "Sam Hays is awaiting the arrival of the sutler, Mr. 
Stewart, but is invited by a company to accept a lieutenancy. 
Bagaley is safe in his position, and you may say 'to her royal 
highness,' does very well. Sergeant 'Bob' Mowry is well, 
and does very well so far. 

1 A nephew of the general's, son of his brother, David B. Hays. 



The 63 rd Around Washington 149 



"Guard mounting is just now taking place, and the bands 
of regiments, scattered around for miles, make it appear as 
if it was the opening of a county fair on a grand scale. 

"The quartermaster calls for this letter and it must be 
closed, so good bye, and God bless you and all our friends. 
Much love and many kisses to the little ones. If any event 
of importance transpires you will get immediate notice of it. 

"I wish 'Jim' McFadden would visit us and bring our 
instruments, in which case we will pay him for coming. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

"P. S. — We gave a grand dinner to Mrs. Colonel Romaine 
Lujeane day before yesterday. She visits her husband, and 
is a cousin of Mrs. Sewall of Allegheny." 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Johnston [Nannie], near Fort Lyon, Va., 

"October 19, 1861. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I am going to write you a short letter, just in proportion 
to the size of this sheet, for the reason that I will have no 
time to write more before the mail leaves. I received David 
Shields and your letter, and packages, last night. I will take 
care of Dave, and will also write you a letter almost daily 
from this out, and will fill every nook of it with love and 
high estimation of your dear self. By the way, I have a Mrs. 
Hays in the regiment, whom I did not know until yesterday. 
She was introduced by Dr. Marks, and is a lady nurse. 

"Assure all your friends who have friends with us, that 
all are well and constitute a very 'happy family.' Poor Corts 
has been very sick, but is recovering. I will go to Wash- 
ington City on Monday, but will write to you tomorrow again. 

"Last night Richardson's brigade^ marched out to the 
pickets. After ten miles they drew in the enemy, but found 
them too strong, and this morning passed our camp on 
return. 

"There go the drums for guard mounting, and I must 
be off. I wish I could have you and the children here for 
a day. The twelve drums and twelve fifes would please Alden, 
and Gilbert^ might claim the ten bugles, which are blowing 
furiously, for practice. 

"You may tell them I have a bugle and am learning to 
play. 

"Here stands the mail boy and asks: 'Anything for the 
office?' So good bye and God bless you all. I intend in 

1 Major-General Israel B. Richardson, West Point, class of 1841, 
killed at Antietam, September 17, 1862. 

2 The general's sons. 



150 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

my next to give you a special invitation to see us. Good bye 
again ; God alone knows how much I love you all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

COLONEL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Heintzelman's Division, Camp near Fort Lyon, 

"October 19, 1861. 
"Dear Sir: 

"I have many acknowledgments to make and inquiries 
to answer, that I fear I will omit something, but I will do 
my best and answer for all, as far as I can. 

"In the first place, our relative and friend. Dr. Allison, 
will not be either surgeon or assistant surgeon of the 63rd. 
James McFadden will be transferred to the 6ist, and will be 
appointed hospital steward. It is almost impossible for me 
to find time to write. If I sit down to it I am sure to be 
interrupted. I am up last at night and first in the morning. 
As soon as reveille ceases I receive the reports of my officers, 
and every officer is required to be present. I then sign all 
the provision returns and then requisitions to sign, which 
occupies my time until breakfast, and afterwards through the 
day, I am constantly about, so much occupied with my duty 
that even if a spare moment is granted to me, my mind is 
too much absorbed to write, or think of anything else except 
the 63rd. My health never was better, and it would be re- 
garded as a great misfortune for the regiment should it fail. 

"I am delighted to learn that the newspapers pass me 
and the 63rd in complimentary silence. Not that we have 
anything to fear, even competition, but we wish to speak for 
ourselves. 

"David Shields arrived last night, and is now in my tent 
with me. I will take care and look after him, as far as in 
my power. Corts has been sick, and still is ver}^ unwell. 
Chapman acts as adjutant. Childs, Bakewell, Weyman and 
Denny^ were here, and if 'Bill' Denny had a poor opinion of 
us, I think he will return home enlightened. We are always 
pleased to see gentlemen, and as soon as the friends you 
mentioned have arrived I will take them in charge. The 
articles which you and others have forwarded arrived, and 
are most satisfactory. I have no hats for my men. which 
suit my own hats. As the other officers have no hats, the 
men appreciate the compliment of my occasionally appearing 
with the feathers on. I wish you would make a trip and 

1 James H. Childs, Benjamin Bakewell, William P. Weyman, 
and Capt. William C. Denny, all of Pittsburgh, Capt. Denny having 
commanded Company K in the 12th Regiment, and Childs, colonel 
of the 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry, was killed at Antietam. 



The 63rd Around Washington 151 

visit me, I could then tell you all, and you could see for your- 
self. Come and bring your wife. 

"I will follow this up from day to day, until I have 
answered your letters, for I must soon close for this morning's 
mail. 

"We are but a short distance from the enemy's pickets, 
and may be ordered out at any time. I will go to Wash- 
ington on Monday on business, but I am not allowed to be 
absent over night. 

"Love to all our friends, and in time I will send remem- 
brances to all. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alexander Hays, 

"Colonel 63rd Regt., P. V." 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Johnston, Va., November 7, 1861. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I am rather disposed to believe that it is my time to 
raise complaints. Last Sunday night at or near midnight 
I received a dispatch by a government messenger, sent by 
General Porter,^ which read : 'Mrs. Hays is in the city, and 
wishes you to come in as soon as possible.' I left early in the 
morning, and at Alexandria found all the bridges rendered 
impassable by the storms of the preceding day. Only one 
boat could run, and that uncertainly. 

"For three or four hours I chafed along the wharves [in 
my own peculiar manner], but at length a boat came and I 
reached Washington about 10 o'clock. I went to every hotel 
in the city, and to Stanton's. I waited all next day for an 
answer but received none. Mrs. Crawford at length arrived, 
and satisfied me that you had not 'left your bed and board,' 
so I returned to camp and have since awaited patiently for 
a solution of the hoax. 



"I forgot to tell you the result of the telegram I received. 
Before I left for Washington the news had spread that Mrs. 
H. was coming. The result was a new arrangement of my 
tents, and when I returned without you, I found a tent fur- 
nished with a stove, carpet, etc., and a bed consisting of pine 
tops, which I have since found to be most comfortable. 

"I sent by Major Wallace to you $400, for which I have 
never received a line. 

1 Major-General Fitz John Porter of West Point, class 1845, 
then in command of a division in the defences of Washington, hence 
well known to General Hays from three years association at West 
Point. 



152 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"The regiment is in excellent health, and it is false, as 
represented in the Pittsburgh papers, that Wallace was after 
recruits. We are full to 1,046 men, and that is all the law- 
allows. 

"Capt. Danks and all from Sharpsburg are well. Kirk- 
wood is one of the best officers I have. I can write no more 
at present but will write as often as possible. 

"My love to all — mother, father, brothers, sisters, nephews 
and nieces, but most particularly to the dear little ones at 
home. 

"I am delighted with your and mother's pictures and 
would like to have the others. God bless you all. 

"If you wish to come on, you can do so, if you can make 
arrangements with Aunt Rachel to keep house. By applica- 
tion to General Porter papers will be furnished to my friends, 
and there is no obstacle in the way. It is most likely we will 
soon go into winter quarters. What does 'Dave' Shields write 
about his tour of 'picket guard?' He is well. Love again, 
and again God bless you all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

ADJUTANT CORTS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Headquarters 63rd, P. V.. 
"Camp Johnston, November 25, 1861. 

"My Kind Friend : 

"Your letter received yesterday. Mrs. Hays goes home 
today, and will give a much more interesting and precise 
account of the 63rd than I can write at present. Happy to 
say we are all to get new guns today, which will put us on 
a war footing. Will be glad to have Von Shultz and any 
other good men to the number of twelve or fifteen, but it is 
impossible to get leave for Mclntyre. Capt. Danks is making 
every exertion possible to get home. If successful will be 
able to bring some recruits, and can take charge of any others 
intending to come. I would like to have a good servant sent 
by Danks, and will be greatly obliged to any of my friends 
who will take the trouble to employ one at soldier's wages : 
$13.00 and $2.50 allowances per month. Boadley became 
worthless and I sent him off. All well. 

"Truly your friend, 

"George P. Corts." 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Johnston, Va., December 6. 1861. 

"Dear Wife : 

"I received a letter from you yesterday, per Mrs. Frank 
Robinson, and but one other, by mail, the day before. These 



The 63 rd Around Washington 153 



are all received since you left Washington. I was pleased 
to hear of your safe arrival, finding all so well at home. I 
fear very much that such warm receptions as you received 
here and there, will have a tendency to spoil you, and induce 
you to go to and fro frequently. But you will always be 
welcome at each end of the route. 

Mrs. Frank was delighted with her reception. Morgan 
and I called with our band and serenaded her, but you will 
hear of that. The Browns^ are expected today, and will be 
well cared for. The health of the regiment remains excellent, 
with no more prospect of removal than when you were here. 



"I have a thousand more things to say, but must take 
another time. I will send long accounts by Mr. and Mrs. 
Brown, and will endeavor to write often and regularly here- 
after, 

"My love to all at home. A kiss for everybody among 
the little ones, and a kind remembrance to all inquiring 
friends. God bless you all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

ADJUTANT CORTS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Johnston, Va., December 9, 1861. 
**Dear Friend : 

"The instruments arrived on Monday, and are very hand- 
some, giving general satisfaction, and soon we will be able 
to report our band being 'A i,' in keeping with all connected 
with the 63rd. I am not boasting when I speak highly of 
our regiment, telling simply what I know to be true, and in 
comparison with other regiments, squads of regiments, etc., 
etc. Actual observation, fulsome praise is not necessary for 
our success. No newspaper correspondents employed to puflf 
us as you well know, and which is the case with all other 
regiments in the service. I mean the poor, sickly attempts 
resorted to by some of having their names constantly paraded 
to give them notoriety, which is not theirs, at least they have 
not shown it so. 

"Annexed you have the letters and commanders of the 
companies: Company A, Capt. Berringer; Company B, Capt- 
Kirkwood ; Company C, Capt. Hanna ; Company D, Capt. 
Ormsbee; Company E, Capt. Danks; Company F, Capt. Reid; 
Company G, Capt. McHenry ; Company H, Capt. McCullough ; 
Company I, Capt. Ryan ; Company K, Capt. Chapman. All 
good officers and first rate companies. Colonel Rippey ^ has 

1 Pittsburgh people, Mansfield B. Brown and wife. 

2 Colonel Oliver H. Rippey of Pittsburgh, killed at Fair Oaks. 



154 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



at this time about 500 or 600 men, but is to be made up from 
the regiment latel}^ commanded by Colonel Mason^ [?] of 
Philadelphia, and will be the 2nd Pennsylvania Reserves. I 
am glad he is to be made up. He is the best of the lot brigaded 
with us.^ 

"J. M. Little and Mr. Weyman paid us a flying visit today, 
complimented us highly on the general good order of our 
camp, and the great cleanliness shown on all sides in com- 
parison with other Western Pennsylvania camps they have 
visited today. This may account for the general good health 
of our men and the large number of sick in the regiments 
above mentioned. We have a clean camp and always will 
while the officers now in command are at their posts, and they 
are always there. 

"The colonel is in Washington tonight awaiting the 
arrival of Mrs. Hays. Some unprincipaled hound caused us 
quite a disappointment some time since. We had all in readi- 
ness for her reception but were badly sold. 



"Quite sorry to hear of the indisposition of Miss Rachel,^ 
and hope it is but temporary. Much obliged for your good- 
ness in sending me the socks from mother, received per hands 
of Dr. Marks.* The colonel, lieutenant-colonel, major and all 
officers well, and ask to be kindly remembered to you. 
"My best regards to your family. Good night. 
"Truly your sincere friend, 

"George P. Corts." 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 
"Camp Johnston [Nannie], near Fort Lyon, Va., 

"December, 1861. 
"My Dear Wife : 

"You would suppose that a country fair was being organ- 
ized here this morning if you were present. In the first place, 
like all other such occasions, it is raining a small deluge, and 
around me are beating the reveilles of twenty regiments. The 
regiments are like the bands which are playing for them, 
some of them very small, as the band is — one fife and drum. 

"The 63rd lies in the extreme left of the "Grand Army," 
where the first assault of a rebel attack would be met. About 
a mile beyond, across a magnificent valley, is to be seen the 

1 The name is William B. Mann, not "Mason." 

2 Colonel Rippey's 61st Regiment was filled to its quota by the 
addition of several companies recruited in Philadelphia about this 
time. 

3 Rachel McFadden, sister-in-law of Alexander Hays. 
* Chaplain of the 63rd Regiment. 



The 63rd Around Washington 155 

national domain of Mount Vernon. I think, within a week, 
that the 63rd will be in close proximity or perhaps beyond, 
and then I will write of the Tomb of Washington. Who will 
refuse to fight with such an incentive near them? 

"Since I commenced this letter, I have been interrupted 
to give my autograph about thirty times, necessary for bread 
and butter, and for all things necessary for the soldiers' com- 
fort. Again comes another interruption to settle a question 
between the quartermaster and the doctor. I have been two 
hours writing what I have written, answering a thousand 
questions and giving a hundred orders. 

"I am endeavoring to go to Washington for our pay, and 
if I succeed you may expect a remittance, certainly in a few 
days. 

"I was much surprised [agreeably], to have a visit from 
Dr. Dale and Aunt Josephine. They saw the sights of the 
vicinity, and saw the 63rd on review with General Jameson. 
We gave them a soldier's dinner, and I hope they were 
pleased. 

" 'Leet Shields' was on parade and if he had borne a king, 
he could not have behaved more handsomely. Everybody says 
'what a noble horse,' and as I ride through Washington and 
Alexandria, I overhear the remarks highly complimentary to 
the rider, who of course is not taken into consideration [and 
that from the ladies], 'what a pity such a noble horse should 
be taken where he may be killed.' 

" 'Dave' Shields is duly installed as high private in Capt. 
Reid's company, and you may assure 'Aunt Beck' ^ that I will 
keep the boy in view in return for the high compliment which 
she pays me in intrusting him to my charge. 

"Corts is still quite weak but is convalescent. All are 
well, and tell all the friends of the 63rd that all are well, as 
we have only five men in the hospital, whereas, Colonel 
Samuel Black - has over 25 sick in the crack regiment of Pitts- 
burgh. 

"Everybody says that the 63rd is 'the trump' regiment 
[Mr. McFadden will explain 'trump'], and so it is [although 
I never boast of it.] 

"The interruptions have amounted to a thousand, and if I 
remain in my tent any longer they will interrupt me all day, 
so I will carry this letter [per Leet Shields ^], to Washington. 

"Other regiments are very jealous of our equipment — 
band and general 'gettin' up,' but we do not care, as the drum 
corps of the 63rd is returning from brigade guard mounting, 
knocking into silence with its thunder, the lesser noise of all 

1 Miss Rebecca Shields. 

2 The 62nd Pennsylvania. 

3 Leet Shields, the general's horse. 



156 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



others. I hear Sergeant Bob Mowry calling to his company, 
'fall in,' to march to Fort Lyon to work on the fortifications, 
but it rained too hard and Lieut. -Colonel Morgan of the 63rd, 
engineer of the work, gives the order to dismiss companies. 

"My dear little wife, you will believe that I have not 
much time to write to even you. My life and reputation 
and that of my children are all invested, and I must make 
good use of the capital. It is very probable that in a few days 
we will be advanced to the extreme pickets. It would have 
been ordered before this, but I protested on account of our 
improper arms. Orders have been issued from headquarters 
that my regiment be completely armed and equipped at once. 
Capt. Danks is just in [another interruption], and reports 
all well. He is an excellent man. 

"If I do not close I must forego my visit to Washington, 
and this must wait, as the mail boy has gone two hours ago. 

"If you can induce Rebecca Shields to come with you, 
or come alone, you are invited to pay us a visit, I will get 
you passes from Washington, for I have more influence than 
the papers give me credit for. 

"Love to all our friends, and remembrances and kisses 
to all our dear little ones. I dare not think of you at all too 
much, but God bless you, and I know my prayer will be 
answered. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Johnston, December 12th. 1861. 
"Dear Wife : 

"Capt. Danks surprised me when at supper last night, 
by reporting his return. I received the meanest, shortest let- 
ter from you that ever a wife wrote a loving husband, but 
it was very acceptable. I have received no letters from home 
since you left Washington, excepting two by private hands. 
I wrote, enclosing a letter for Capt. Danks, a few days ago, 
but he tells me he did not receive it. I regret it, inasmuch 
as it contained instructions to him to remain at home until 
I ordered him back. Danks gave me a recital of your adven- 
tures with Mrs. Spurgeon, which is amusing, after it is over. 
We have talked over all the surmises to account for the lady's 
conduct, and Danks' last suggestion that possibly I was the 
Mr. Spurgeon whom the lady saw in company with you in 
Washington. If so, the powers of darkness curse me ! That 
I, 'a poor, but honest soldier,' should be taken for a wife- 
stealer, or a fanatic preacher? 

"I really sympathize with you, in your tribulation, but 
'All's well that ends well.' 

"Each day I take some new stand with 'the boys,' and now 
I order that from 11 o'clock to 12 o'clock, while Morgan is 



The 63rd Around Washington 157 



teaching school to the officers, I, the colonel, must not be 
interrupted, and that time I intend to devote to writing to 
my friends. So look out for gush of correspondence. I sup- 
pose I must go to Washington, which I do not like. I will 
therefore dispense with general news and state particulars. 
Poor old 'Dad' Beringer is quite sick with an attack of pleu- 
risy. All the other boys are very well. There are two 
vacancies — one captain and one lieutenant to be elected in 
the 63rd. 

"Yesterday morning the regiment was turned out at 3 
o'clock, not by drum but quietly, man after man, and I am 
pleased to report that in 15 minutes after I made the call, 
every man was on 'the war path,' fully equipped and painted. 
It was, however, a false alarm, and we did not leave camp. 

"The Jersey men along the picket line and around us, 
have a christening of their own for us — the 'bully for you' 
regiment ^ and 'the bully for you colonel.' 

"Richardson's brigade have marched out two miles on 
the Springfield road, and I think we will for this winter rally 
around the Tomb of George Washington, but we will see. 

"I have really so much to write that I can get nothing 
in order, as I wish to write it, and you must take it as it comes, 
but I will relate a 'little episode,' as Artemus Ward says. 
After I left you at Washington, I rode down to the ferry 
boat, where a very handsome little fellow [saddle-colored] 
asked permission to hold 'Leet' on the boat. When we arrived 
at Alexandria he had fallen in love with the horse, and wished 
to go with me. I mounted him behind me and in spite of 
'Leet's' kicking, we rode into camp, and such a little darkie 
was never seen. He is the envy of all my acquaintances but 
I will write to the children and tell them of 'Little George,' 
the son of a slave. 

"Mr. and Mrs. Brown ^ I expect to see in Washington 
today, and in order to see them I must stop. 

"God bless you all. How much I love you. 'Absence makes 
the heart grow fonder.' Love to all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

COLONEL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Johnston, Va., December 17, 1861. 
"J. B. McFadden, 
"Dear Sir: 

"I have just received yours of the 14th, and will endeavor 
to commence a series of letters in answer to many which I 

1 A tune played on all occasions by the 63rd's Drum Corps — a 
great favorite with Colonel Hays. The music is to be found on page 
411, "Under the Red Patch," and intra, Chapter XXL 

2 Referred to in letter of December 6th. 



158 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



have received from time to time from you. The 63rd is in 
its old location, and we can obtain no intimation of any inten- 
tions either to send us forward, or go into winter quarters. I 
have partially taken the responsibility in the latter case, and 
permitted the men to procure wood and build such structures 
as they please, to keep them comfortable. Drills were sus- 
pended and all day the camp appears as engaged as a colony 
of beavers preparing for winter. 

"My decision portends nothing, as an order may come at 
any moment to move, but the men are satisfied and will be, 
even if they have to vacate their new quarters as soon as 
finished. Whatever may be said of my regiment I have the 
most cheerful and obedient men in the service. As this is the 
result of four months' experience and I have nothing to fear 
for the future, I think it something to boast of. 

"On drill, neither in numbers or discipline, can any other 
'hold a candle' to us, and ours always is the post of honor, and 
supposed danger. But enough of the 63rd, and I will take 
a lawyer's advice, and 'let well enough alone.' If we move you 
will receive early information. We have just received the 
intelligence that a lieutenant of dragoons in our division has 
been shot on picket. He escaped home with eight buckshot 
in his back, and may live, and owes all he has got to his own 
indiscretion. 

"I find I will be obliged from the very numerous interrup- 
tions occuring, that I will not be able to extend this letter to 
the extent I had intended, I will enclose a few lines to Annie, 
with a promise of writing more tomorrow, and only give what 
follows : 

"I fear that 'our idol is broken,' and that our general has 
lost his prestige before the nation and army. I say this from 
my own observation, although I have read a most scathing 
attack upon him by Charles Elliot, Jr.^ It is very difficult 
if not impossible to get a copy of the pamphlet, but if I can 
obtain one I will send it. 

"God help our cause if we are not settled upon our leaders, 
and God help the 63rd, for it will have a 'hard road to travel.' 
This is strictly in confidence. 

"I must acknowledge, in a heap, the many favors and 
attentions from you for some time past, but I will endeavor 
to make up in time. I have told 'the contraband' of his pro- 
posed watch. He grins from ear to ear and answers 'yes sah !' 
I have his picture taken on the black pony, upon which he 
cuts a grand display at brigade drills. 

"The men call them 'George and Darkie,' the colonel's 
right and left bowers, but I must reserve an account of the 
two for a letter to the children. I must write a note to Annie 

1 Charles Elliot, Jr. — probably the noted Methodist divine and 
author and editor. 



The 63rd Around Washington 159 

to enclose, for the mail boy waits, and I have been a long 
time occupied, in its interruptions, in writing this letter. 

"Affectionate remembrances to mother, Rachel, James, 
Tom and everybody else who may take an interest in me or 
mine. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex." 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Johnston [Sacred Soil], 

"December 26, 1861. 
"Dear Wife : 

"You may possibly feel a slight interest to hear from 
'the army in Flanders,' and with the greeting that you have 
spent 'a merry Christmas,' to be followed by *a glad New 
Year,' I have concluded to borrow an hour from this night's 
sleep, to make some kind of an answer to a dear, kind letter 
received from you this morning. 

"Yesterday morning [merry Christmas at home], I was 
notified that the 63rd must march at 4 o'clock in the morning, 
to repel a threatened advance of the rebels. I was not well 
when we started, and it turned out a day of sad mishaps. 

"In the first place, I was badly swamped in one of the 
mire pits of Virginia, and when we reached our outer pickets, 
in an attempt to pass along the regiment, 'Dan' slipped and 
fell from a frozen bank, and we got a very severe fall. 'Dan' 
was not hurt, but my right leg was under him, and I was 
severely bruised. I am well enough tonight to go around 
among the men and 'talk cross,' but their sympathy when we 
fell, has more than repaid my sufferings. Besides, today, I 
had a visit from Mrs. Jameson, who sends her best love to 
you, and evinces so much regard for us, that I cannot help 
loving her. She is very anxious that you should come on 
again, and after next pay day I say yes. 

"Upon your arrival I will be the occupant of a comfort- 
able log house, and hope to make you more comfortable than 
upon your last visit. Use your own discretion, as to whom 
you will bring with you. There is no longer a doubt of our 
destination, and we will remain where we are, inasmuch as 
we have a strong force of rebels to watch opposite our present 
location. I have written the above and find my nervous sys- 
tem too much damaged, but will continue as best I can at 
intervals. You must not suppose I am sick, for I think my 
general health was never better, but the concussion I received 
has unstrung me for a day or so. I think if I had been fur- 
nished a chance at the rebels after my reverses on Christmas 
Day, I would have pitched in very wickedly. You are aware 
of the condition of my unusually amiable temper at ordinary 
times, and can easily imagine what it becomes after its pos- 



160 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



sessor had been soused into the filthiest swamp, and afterwards 
bruised upon the hardest specimen of 'sacred soil.' 

"It is useless to take up time with any particulars of our 
camp, as you have seen for yourself. The men have built 
numerous log cabins and arranged their tents to make them- 
selves more comfortable. The usual good health prevails. 

"Morgan and Corts are now in my tent arranging the 
pay rolls for next Tuesday. You may then look for a remit- 
tance, which you may use entirely at your own discretion. 

*T sent you by Lieut. Schonlow a picture of George and 
Darkie. The latter is a noble horse, and will be a treasure 
at home. I will send him as soon as I have an opportunity. 
I have tendered him for use to Mrs. Jameson. 

"December 27th, 1861. 

"After a day's interval I have again resumed this letter. 
I was too unwell, and with many interruptions, I was too 
nervous to write or think what I ought to write. A day's 
rest and several letters and a parcel from home, from you and 
the children, including the pictures of three very dear little 
faces, have quite restored me. When the parcel arrived [by 
Davis], I was lying in bed, and Doctors Crawford and 
Rodgers had called in to see me — not professionally, as I did 
not need their services. When the string was untied the 
pictures were passed around and admired by all. Dr. Craw- 
ford attempted to appropriate 'Agg's' to himself, and finally 
carried all three away to show them to Mrs. Jameson. 

"Corts and I quarreled over the ownership of a knife, 
fork and spoon, which was only settled and peace restored 
by Corts displaying his name engraved on each article, and 
he won't tell me who sent them. I must not omit to acknowl- 
edge the receipt also of a note from dear Aunt Rachel, 
enclosing a copy of her 'grandmother,' but I value the picture 
very highly, and will take good care of it. It gave genuine 
satisfaction to numerous of her acquaintances who saw it, and 
reminded me in its style of one Miss McCann, whom I met 
in Pittsburgh 15 years ago, who has since been the mother 
of nine children. Have you ever met the young lady? for 
you certainly were present when she sang 'Widow Macree.* 

"I received Miss Rebecca's [Shields] box for the hospital, 
for which I will make prompt acknowledgment in my hand- 
somest style. I will write to Aunt Rachel, and spin her the 
longest, funniest tale of the wars that my conscience will 
allow. I will write to mother a letter of love and ask for a 
continuance of her prayers in my behalf, for I know if 'the 
prayers of the righteous avail,' hers will be effective. I will 
write to Aggie and comply with all you ask. To tell the truth, 
I fear I am promising too much, as it will be beyond my 
ability to make full acknowledgment for all the remembrances 
from home. 



The 63rd Around Washington 161 



"But in my bed tonight, from which I have just been 
aroused by the long rolls, beaten three miles away [you 
know, at Fairfax Seminary], I devised a plan by which I will 
hereafter have some time of my own. My plan is to have a 
time when I will not be interrupted by anybody or his wife. 
For fear you might misinterpret the alarm I mentioned above, 
I will merely say that it was a false one, and that I am going 
back to bed as soon as I finish writing. I send you enclosed 
a picture to refute Mr. Brown's statement regarding the 
clothes, and ask you to say if the individual is not well dressed, 
but I will nevertheless wear the new clothes you sent, in 
compliment. 

''I have detailed Lieut. Brown and 'Dave' Shields as two 
of the most intelligent young men of my command, to be 
educated in the 'Signal Service.' They will for a time go to 
Washington and Georgetown, and when perfect will return 
to the regiment. 

"Now then, on the subject of your coming on to see the 
63rd. Mahomet, when the mountain could not come to him, 
went to the mountain, and my little prophet must do as 
Mahomet did. If I am so situated as to receive by any pos- 
sibility, you can come at your pleasure, without consulting 
anybody, either old women or old men, who have forgotten 
that they ever loved. [If they ever did.] 

"With assurances of love to all, to relieve any anxiety 
you may feel on my account, I feel in as good health and I 
think as I ever did. 

"Yours, 

"Alex." 

"P. S. — I have written this on a desk extemporized by 
Little George. It is a small board, neatly covered with papers. 
I sit by the stove and George snores at the foot of our bed." 

"December 26, 1861. 

"Tomorrow I will be on horseback, for 'Dan' and 'Leet' 
are like ladies, and feel neglect, and I am almost 'blue- 
moulded,' for want of use. I would tell you much more but 
you must come and see for yourself. I want an amanuensis 
very much and think you would suit me. If this scrap was 
larger there would be more written upon it. but 'enough is 
as good as a feast.' 

"Dr. Crawford brings Mrs. Crawford over, for the benefit 
of her health, as soon as the 63rd can build her a house, which 
will be within this week, for I have said it. I am indebted 
to him and will repay in my kind. Mrs. McGonagle,^ from 
Clarion, is coming. Mrs. Jameson is here, and the general 

1 Mrs. McGonagle of Clarion, Pa., mother of Lieut. John G. 
McGonagle of Company F, who died at Meadow Station, Va., June 
21, 1862. 



162 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



says very well, for she has not called upon me for several 
days. Mrs. Rippey is here, and I heard today that Mrs. 
Wallace is coming, although the major did not tell me so. If 
this scrap had more room upon it it would be like the other 
side, and have more on it. 

"A. H." 

COLONEL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Johnston, December 28th, 1861. 
"Dear Sir: 

"I have passed through a prodigious exploit [for me] 
having written six full pages of a letter to Annie. ^ You will 
be satisfied for this occasion with a brief one, and refer to 
hers for a plan I have laid to be more voluminous in my 
correspondence hereafter. 

"The 63rd occupies the position of 'left wing' of 'The 
Grand Army of the Potomac,' and from all appearances will 
remain so until Spring, for a very good reason — if we go 
away the rebels will occupy the ground. Our celebration of 
Christmas day you will find in Annie's letter, with the omis- 
sion that the regiment marched 20 miles, nearly one mile 
of which was through the bed of Accotink Creek, with water 
averaging to knee depth, notwithstanding which the men 
entered camp with cheers, and called all sorts of edibles 'turkey,' 
although the real bird was very scarce. 

"I have seen several letters in the papers, each lauding 
particular regiments in Jameson's brigade, but not one men- 
tion of 'ours.' The last, an item of which I am very proud, 
and only hope, if we have real friends, that they will let us 
alone [out of the papers]. Every letter is a burlesque among 
us here, and the 63rd stands without an equal on this side 
of the Potomac. 

"As a proof of my assertion, while our superiority is 
admitted unanimously by strangers, the bitterest rivalry, or 
rather envy, exists against us in our own brigade. I do not 
say this in any spirit of boastfulness. 

"I would like to answer the numerous questions you have 
propounded from time to time, but can only now write as 
affairs occur to my mind, and promise more in the future. 

"You will glean something from my long letter to Annie 
of Lieut. P)rown's and 'Dave' Shields' promotions, etc. Tell 
all inquiring friends of this regiment that good health, spirit 
and plenty prevails. 

"If I do not close the mail will. Kind regards and love 
to all. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex Hays." 
1 Annie — Mrs. Hays. 



The 63rd Around Washington 163 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Johnston, Va., Jan. 4th, 1862. 
"Dearest Wife: 

"I am sitting all alone in our tent, in your chair, with a 
good fire in the stove, after everybody else is in bed. I have 
been made happy in being able to acknowledge so many favors 
as I received from home by Lieut. Schonlow this day. 

"This was the formal presentation of 'our flag.' I had 
sent the several flags a week ago by little George, and sup- 
posed all formalities over, but today we were surprised by the 
arrival of General Moorhead ^ and Judge Shannon, with 
Colonel Purcell, Governor Curtin's aid, to make the presenta- 
tion. Dr. Crawford forbade my taking any part in it, inasmuch 
as I have been taking quinine in large doses for a week past. 
I hate explanations but suppose I must now make one. The 
next day after I had written that long letter, of which you 
were so proud, I was called upon by General Jameson and 
urged to go after my guns to Washington city, inasmuch as 
we would in all probability be reviewed by General Heintzel- 
man, or somebody else, in a day or two. 

"I plead inability, but the general plead, and thinking 
of his sweet little wife, I consented. I rode to Washington, 
and after a hard day's work, returned home with the new 
guns, a very sick man. My own doctors gave me no relief, 
but I sent for Dr. Crawford, who has since fed me on quinine 
and some other nauseous drug, but thanks to him, I am now 
well, although weak, and as happy as convalescents always 
are when they are allowed to eat heartily and receive from 
home such kind remembrances as I did today. 

"Crawford says I had strong symptoms of typhoid fever, 
and says I must continue to rest, so I did not go to the pres- 
entation, of which I was very well pleased, as my friends 
know I am not very eloquent on the subject of 'The American 
Flag,' when a speech is to be made. General Moorhead 
addressed the 63rd on behalf of the flag and Governor Curtin, 
and Capt. Reid received the flag on behalf of the colonel, 
and I am told, made a beautiful reply. In fact I think he 
did quite as well as I would have done myself, if I had been 
present. [Ask Jim's and Tom's opinions on the subject.] ^ 

"I am now going to bed to punch George's ribs to keep 
my feet warm and go to sleep, and tomorrow I will probably 
renew the subject and write you a long letter. 

1 General James K. Moorhead of Pittsburgh, then a member of 
Congress from the Pittsburgh district. 

2 Major B. J. Reid, for many years a member of the Clarion and 
Allegheny County bars, responded in a most fervent and eloquent 
speech. Major Reid was the father of Judge A. B. Reid of Pitts- 
burgh. Vide "Under the Red Patch," PP. 49-54. 



164 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"Sunday, Jan. 5th. 

"This is a beautiful day, although cold, not too cold for 
comfort in my tent, and the sun shines brightly outside. 

"You have asked me why 'the little quartermaster fell 
into disgrace? Well, he took the liberty of taking 'Dan' and 
'Leet' out of their stables while I was away on the pony, 
and rode them to Alexandria. I therefore reduced him to his 
company, but upon his return and apologizing, with a promise 
to do so no more I reinstated him, and he is now in his old 
place. It is not safe for anyone to take liberties with my 
horses, or [as Scripture says], 'anything else that is his.' 

"The clothes sent are beautiful and fit to a T. I received 
the sash, which I now find I needed very much. The spoon, 
knife, etc., from your father are and will be highly prized, 
but what does he mean by saying he sent me others? I never 
received any. By whom did he send them? Mrs. Jameson 
has not been to see me for several days, but I am going to 
call tomorrow. I suppose we will be obliged to send home 
our lady nurses, as they say they cannot get along with our 
doctors. 

"I must not write you too much and so often, otherwise 
you will be spoiled and I will have to keep it up. I do desire 
very much to v/rite to Agnes, Aunt Rachel and Miss Shields, 
but they must wait until my nerves are restored. 

"Tomorrow 'the cornerstone' of j^our new house will be 
laid. The material is prepared and the workmen are ready, 
and in three days I will be able to receive you properly. The 
edifice will be one story high, with two rooms on the ground 
floor, and will be very comfortable. I will procure a pass in 
Washington and meet you there, so pack up and come along. 
I will write today to your father and tell him it must be so. 
I will also write you when I get your pass, and advise you 
what to provide for your comfort while here. Have you Mrs. 
Titus to take your place at Linton, or who? 

"Richard Lucas leaves in a few days 'on sick leave,' for 
Pittsburgh and if possible he will take the pony with him. 
Henry Rosier [in the horse department], is also 'home-sick,' 
and wants to go home. If he goes I will have no help but 
George, but we can get along. 

"Those pictures are a great comfort to me, and I will 
review them every night. God bless the originals. My love 
to all, Aunt Rachel and to mother, and now with the balance 
of this sheet, all love to you yourself. 

"Alex." 



The 63 rd Around Washington 165 

COLONEL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Johnston, Jan. 5th, 1862. 
Dear Sir: 

"Lieut. Schonlow yesterday returned and presented your 
letters and packages, for which I am under additional obliga- 
tions. 

"Your information of the Reverend Stewart's recent lec- 
ture has called forth the indignation of every officer who has 
heard it. I have heard but palliation offered for his cause, 
and it is time his audiences discovered the fact, if it is a fact, 
which is that the reverend gentleman is deranged ! He is 
doing more injury to Christianity in the army than could be 
done if all the vices, which he has enumerated as belonging 
to the army, were ten-fold, and sensible Christian ministers 
then sent for its reformation. He has debased the character 
of chaplains so that the present cry against them will be 
redoubled and end in their expulsion. Without having charges 
to prefer against mine, after six months' experience, I do 
aver that I consider the present institution of chaplains a 
nuisance, but this in confidence, and more again. 

"The clothes are splendid, and fit almost perfect. I was 
not aware that I needed 'fixin' up,' until they arrived, and 
tried them on, then I found they were absolutely necessary. 
The sash is beautiful and that, too, I did not think was neces- 
sary, until I contrasted it with the old greasy, unraveled one 
and then the want was apparent. 

"I will not omit the knife, fork and spoon, which shall 
not escape my special charge as long as I have eyes to read 
the inscription. As there appears some mystery about another 
knife, fork and spoon, which you say you sent, will you 
unravel it, and if the articles were sent, say when, where and 
by whom, as I never received them. In a former letter you 
mention the sending, and with the letter came the articles 
specified. I took possession, of course, but Corts claimed 
them, and I would not give them up until Corts referred me 
to the engraving on the handles, 'for George P. Corts,' where- 
upon I receded. A note from father, referred to in your letter, 
was not enclosed. 

"By the way, before I go farther and forget it, Dr. Marks 
showed me a letter from Mr. M. B. Brown, in which he men- 
tions 'that an effort will be made to remove all incompetent 
chaplains,' but he does not say much of Mr. Stewart's meeting, 
and nothing of the part he took in it. Write me again upon 
this subject, and you may slyly hint to the clerical reformers 
that in selecting chaplains for competency and efficiency, they 
must also look for the qualities of gentlemen, inasmuch as 
the gentlemen who compose the army will not be satisfied 
to have thrust into their society every fanatical, miserly indi- 
vidual, only because he is orthodox and draws the pay of a 



166 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

captain of cavalry, and because he is chaplain expects the 
men of this army to be menials, and save him the expense 
of a private servant, although he will certify upon his honor 
each payday, upon his pay account, that a certain 'John Smith, 
servant, color, black' has served him in that capacity for the 
last two months, and for which he [the chaplain], receives 
from the United States forty [$40] dollars, and although he 
is entitled to three [3] horses, owns none, but expects to 
borrow from the colonel [perhaps because he does not keep 
them], just because it is for the use of the chaplain, because 
he is a chaplain, who, when payday comes, 'certifies upon his 
honor that he has kept three [3] horses,' and draws from 
Uncle Sam the sum of forty-eight [$48] dollars, on his honor 
it ought to be sacred! I am done with the parsons [if they 
will not behave themselves] obey the eleventh command- 
ment and follow in the footsteps of the Blessed Master, whom 
they profess to serve [which same Master never drew the 
pay of a captain of cavalry, and was not allowed three horses]. 

"I did not intend to get into the church much in this 
letter, but as the old lady remarked when she let the crock 
of butter fall, 'I've gone and did it,' and now to wind it up 
for the present, I enclose a pay account,, by which you see 
that each parson ought to at least have one 'nigger' and three 
horses before he can certify upon his honor, without violating 
the code of ethics which I was taught. See if Mr. Stewart 
has had the nigger and three horses, and if he has not signed 
these rolls. 

"I will now proceed on my own account and explain why 
I have not written for a week or so, and why this handwriting 
is not my old style. For something more than a month I 
have been troubled with attacks, symptoms of bilious colic. 
By a day's rest I could stave them off by taking a little medi- 
cine. It is ascribed to my restlessness and failure to take 
sufficient rest. 

"After writing a long letter to Annie, ^ which I was barely 
able to write, I was obliged to go to Washington to get my 
new guns. I returned to camp very sick, and Dr. Crawford, 
fearing I was in for a case of typhoid fever, has dosed me 
ever since with quinine and opium. I have been very, and 
am still quite nervous, but otherwise never was better in my 
life, in fact, I will be better than ever in a day or two. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex Hays." 

1 Annie — Mrs. Hays. 



The 63 rd Around Washington 167 

COLONEL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 
[Presumably written about January 6, 1862, in Camp Johnston] 

"Morgan/ I think, will obtain his leave of absence, but 
maybe before our paymaster comes out. I will, however, 
make a remittance home by some means as soon as possible. 

"We will not leave this location, in fact we cannot, until 
Spring. It is Annie's wish once again to visit me. As she 
has never had many 'leaves of absence,' she has leave to come 
whenever she thinks proper, and I will have a very comfort- 
able home for her and a pass provided at Washington. If 
possible I will send the black pony, 'Darkie,' home this week. 

"Now for quinine and opium, and then to bed. 

"Love to all and good night. 

"A. Hays." 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Johnston, Jan. 6th, 1862. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I expect to hear that everybody is jealous of you on 
account of my devoted attentions to you alone of all your sex 
[lately]. I won't write long, I tell you, so that you may not 
anticipate before you turn to the next page. Corts is in just 
now and tells me he is writing to your father. I write more 
to satisfy you of the state of my health, because I know, in 
spite of my training for the last 16 years, you are 'too suscep- 
tible.' I have been engaged all day watching the erection of 
our new house. As it rose, tier after tier, my spirits rose 
with it. It is a wonder, for laying aside the bright anticipa- 
tions of its future occupancy, it will be the only house I ever 
owned in my own right. Well, it has risen breast-high, is 
20 feet long by 12 in width, susceptible of being separated at 
will into two rooms. I will send for boards to Alexandria, 
and for bricks to 'the Kemp House.' 

"It would be very gratifying to you or any one who 
loves me [do you] ? to see the alacrity with which men work 
when I ask them to do anything for me individually. 

"It is seldom I call upon them, while others are dunning 
for details of men to work for them, and they know it. Today 
there was a rivalry amongst the 'best workmen,' and each 
teamster recited the good qualities of his team, but the black 
team insisted upon the hauling, inasmuch as I had pronounced 
the colonel's team to be it, although 'the greys' assumed the 
same preference. It was a frequent remark that a certain 
finish of a certain log was not sufificient — it might do for the 
colonel, but it could not pass, as Mrs. Hays was to occupy 
the machine. I am assured that within three days it will be 
ready for occupancy, so that you may as well 'pack your 
trunks.' 

1 Lieutenant-colonel 63 rd Regiment. 



168 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"At all events it will be far superior to your former 
accommodations, although the old tent, under George's super- 
intendence and firemanship, is comfortable and cozy. 

"Colonel Morgan, 1 suppose, got off today, and will no 
doubt have a pleasant visit. I wonder if he will not marry 
somebody? If he does, and I have not set a precedent under 
similar circumstances, I would say he was daft, but from 
your own blessed experience I can't but advise him 'to go it 
while you're young.' 

"There is no evidence of a forward movement, for some 
time, in fact I think it impossible, no, highly improbable. 

"Now then to the point of coming. You must come. 
Morgan has leave of absence for two weeks from this day. 
You will have an opportunity of coming with him [that two 
weeks will be a long time to me], but if you have an oppor- 
tunity and possibly come sooner, come on. We will not be 
paid until the last of this week, but if I have a letter from 
you, coming soon, I will go to the city and draw my pay 
and make you a remittance at once. What of Mrs. Titus, or 
will Aunt Rachel take charge? 

"In making your preparations, if you can conveniently, 
you had better provide yourself with sheets, etc., which can 
return with you. 

"If you desire to bring Agnes we can accommodate her 
in our new house with a separate room, and it would be a 
trip which would last her a lifetime, and then you could come 
alone. 

"I think I am now far behind your 12 mean, little short 
letters. 

"Love to all, and to George and Mag especially, and I 
will write to them. God bless you all, and kiss the babies. 

"Alex." 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Johnston, Jan. 8th, 1862. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I write again tonight for fear I may not have overtaken 
your No. 13, which I received today, but which you forgot 
to number. 

"I am right well pleased with the world tonight, firstly, 
because I again enjoy perfect health, have discarded quinine, 
opium and every other drug, and substituted buckwheat cakes, 
sausages, tongue, cold beef and ham, diluted with a cup of 
good green tea. Secondly, our house is now ready, and will 
be opened for the 'traveling public' at once. I would like 
that you were to be the first lady visitor, I feel certain you 
will be the first lady boarded. I will leave the description 
of it for you, excepting that I will say that it is admitted to 
be the grandest establishment in the brigade. Dr. Marks is 
building [a pen], as he expects Mrs. M. in a short time, and 



The 63rd Around Washington 169 



today he entered protest against my establishment, and seri- 
ously, too. He thinks I ought not to make so much better 
preparations to receive my wife than the other officers who 
expect theirs are making. Inasmuch as the contrast will 
be so great that the other ladies will feel slighted. I announced 
in the phraseology of the illustrious Artemus Ward, 'well, let 
'em feel.' Just as if my wife wasn't a darned sight better 
than anything with hoops on, that comes to visit the 63rd. 

"Remember, now, I am only going to write to the full of 
this page, in order to save postage. 

"It has been cold for some days, with a little [very little] 
snow upon the ground, but this evening the weather moder- 
ated, and now it is raining. I have been so comfortable in my 
tent, however, that I have not felt the cold, excepting when 
I went out. Little George is a great fixer-up of everything, 
and he has so rearranged the tents, pinning down and stopping 
up holes, that no air enters, besides, he always has on hand 
a good supply of hickory wood, and sits by the fire and feeds 
the stove. You will be surprised to see his tidiness and thor- 
oughness in all that concerns me. There is not a lazy ounce 
in his whole corporation. I will bet a horse that his mother 
is a trump. His father is a slave. Only think of his impu- 
dence? He insists upon me using a spit-box! Finding that 
I was annoyed by being called into the front tent to sign 
papers he procured the lid of a small box and covered it 
neatly with paper as a knee desk. He receives the papers 
to be signed, hands pen and ink and I can discharge my duty 
without leaving my chair. I can send him to Alexandria for 
20 different articles, and he will omit nothing, and does better 
than I could myself. He and his pony are great favorites 
with officers and men. I feared that he would be spoiled, 
but so far he has resisted all influences and is as respectful 
with his 'oh, yes sah,' 'oh, no sah,' as he was before he came. 
He takes great interest in all of you at home, and nothing 
appears to give him more pleasure than to display our gallery 
of family pictures to visitors. Then he puts on a comical 
soberness, which would be called dignity if he was older, and 
anything but a little nigger. Rebecca Shields would give a 
mint for him. He evidently does not like to part with the 
pony, but he never says a word about it. I asked him if he 
would prefer to go home with 'Darkie' and remain. His 
prompt reply was : 'Oh, no sah, I stay wid you.' George is 
a saddle-colored trump. 

"Sam Hays is well and doing well, is as fat as a pig. 
He has given evidence of better qualities than I believed he 
possessed. He will not go home, as he intended. I do not 
allow him to hang around me, but require him to be at the 
sutler's and attentive to his duty. 

"The sutler has established a mess for the officers, nearly 
all of them board with him. My mess consists of myself. 



170 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Outsiders, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Rosier and George. I found that 
there was too much truth in the old adage : 'too much famil- 
iarity breeds contempt,' so I gave notice to all 'to quit on the 
1st January,' and I am highly pleased with the result. 

"Major Wallace went to the city today for the purpose 
of drawing his own and my pay. I directed him to forward 
two hundred [$200] dollars to you, which I have no doubt 
you will receive promptly, at least let me know. 

"I suppose you would like to hear some 'war news,' but 
to tell the truth I have none. I have not been on speaking 
terms with General Mc. since I came to this war, otherwise 
I might know more than I do at present, I can however, guess 
as well as any sagacious correspondent of any lying news- 
paper, and I guess we will stay where we are for some time 
to come. We may take an occasional trip towards Occoquan 
to exercise our troops and satisfy the Rebs that we are here. 
It may be possible that some demonstration of other bodies 
of our troops may render an advance of the 'left wing' neces- 
sary, but then it will be neither far nor fast. When I see 
5,000 horses assembling in Alexandria I will pack my knap- 
sack and write to my friends to 'look out.' You come on, I 
don't care who says no, and if we should advance I will leave 
you with Mrs. Jameson and Mrs. Crawford. You will be 
company for each other and will hear the news sooner than 
if you remained in Pittsburgh. 

"I send you 'Old Heintz's' phiz. He and I are on speak- 
ing terms and he won't have any other guard around his 
headquarters, except the 63rd. 

"God bless you all. [I am glad I was able to write one 
short letter to you without making love to you, but it was 
hard work.] I will now write a short letter to your father, 
then 

1 "On with the cap, out with the light, 
Weariness bids the world good night." 

"I will send as many pictures as you desire, although I 
have none of m3^self this side of Washington. An edition is 
preparing by an artist for the regiment. One individual alone 
ordered 100 copies. 

"Especial love to 'Rache' and 'Mag.' I will write that 
letter to George.^ 

"I will not write to your father tonight until I hear from 
him on the subject of 'chaplains for the army.' 

"I have so much to say that it is impossible to commit 
it to paper. It is, therefore, 'indispensable for the best interest 

1 Tom Hood's "Miss Kilmansegg and Her Precious Leg." 

2 Mrs. Hays' sisters and her brother-in-law, George W. Murphy. 



The 63rd Around Washington 171 

of the service' that you proceed to Washington, D. C, other- 
wise I will desert and the country will lose a good man. 

" 'Love hath its thoughts we cannot keep, 
Visions the mind may not control, 
Waking as fancy does in sleep 
The inmost recess of the soul. 

" 'Where faces and forms are strangely mingled. 
Till, one by one, they are slowly singled, 
To the lips and the cheek and the eye of her 
I worship like an idolator.' " 

"Alex." 



COLONEL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Johnston, Va., January 19th, 1862. 
"Dear Sir: 

"I received yours date i6th, this morning and also yester- 
day date, 15th, for both of which I am under much obligation. 
I am flattered by your expression of a desire to hear from 
me and I will neglect no occasion to communicate any matter 
of interest. It is with sincere sorrow and regret that I announce 
an event now : One of my captains was bayonetted by the 
provost guard in Alexandria last night, in some brawl. He 
was not mortally wounded, although I almost wish he had 
been killed. The affair will no doubt be announced in the 
papers, and will be the subject of investigation by court- 
martial, but do not speak of it as coming from me. I feel 
deeply mortified. When lately on picquet ^ I took him myself 
with a 100 men to support my advance scout of another 100, 
under Kirkwood. [By the way, you may say to Mr. Speer 
that no nobler soldier treads the soil of Virginia than his 
nephew. Bill.] While awaiting and listening for a signal from 
our advance forces, although we were exposed to a most raw 
and cutting wind, I never listened with more pleasure to a 
professional songster than I did to the sweet notes of 
McHenry as he hummed the words of 'Lorena,' which in our 
regiment has become a 'household word.' 

"I wrote you on my return from picquet that we were 
all safe, excepting Corporal John Thomas - [Company E], who 
was wounded slightly by accident. I received a telegraph of 
inquiry from his wife today, but have been assured by Capt. 
Danks that Thomas has himself written to his wife. His wound 
is but slight, but it may be some satisfaction to hear from me 

1 Note the general's preference for and use of the original spell- 
ing for picket. 

2 Corporal Thomas seems to have been more seriously wounded 
or for some other cause he was mustered out in April, 1862, for 
disability. 



172 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

that Corporal Thomas is one of our 'color guards,' and that 
Corporal John Thomas is a 'perfect trump' of a soldier. 

" 'From the fullness of the heart the mouth speaketh,' 
and the pen writes, and I fear I will be unable to give you 
much news beyond what I have written. Morgan has now 
the command of the regiment, as I have been detailed presi- 
dent of a general courtmartial. I am forced to stick in 
occasionally an emphatic word to aid him, as a no or yes 
from 'Old Aleck,' as the boys call me [behind my back], is 
generally a settler of all questions. 

"I cannot really speak in too high terms of the conduct 
of the 63rd while out on picquet, and it is due them to correct 
Mr. Wilson's statement of only six prisoners. That was one 
day's work. We returned with 13 white men, three niggers 
and three fine horses. The conduct of the men was excellent. 
I believe they will prove as staunch as regulars. 

"I feel anxious to hear often from some of you on Rachel's 
account, in fact, if she should be able she might come on with 
Annie. In a possible case of any movement interfering with 
the visitors, they would be company. 

"I have a letter from Agnes in which she pleads for per- 
mission to come with her mother, but I think she is 'o'er 
young' to leave her grandmother. 

"Capt. Hanna is now at home on leave and will return 
about the 25th. Annie can come with him. He is a 'Brother 
of the Mystic Tie,' and will take good care of her. 

"Mrs. Jameson is anticipating her arrival with impatience, 
as well as others. I will look for and if telegraphed will meet 
her in Washington. 

" ^Biddle Roberts is to be provost marshal of Washington 
City. ' 

"Henry Rosier starts today with the black pony for 
Pittsburgh. He will ride him as far as Baltimore and then 
have him transported on the cars. I will so arrange it that 
he will pay the transportation out of his own money, which 
please pay to him on delivery of the horse, and I will remit 
the amount, and let me hear as soon as possible. 

"I have no time to write more. My love to mother and 
Rachel, with best regards to all. I will write to Annie tonight. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex Hays." 

"Nephew Bill" refers to William S. Kirkwood, captain of 
Company B, promoted up to major and died June 28, 1863, 
of wounds received at Chancellorsville. He was the nephew 
of Messrs. William and John B. Speer of Pittsburgh, plow 
manufacturers. The captain, who was stabbed, was discharged 

1 Colonel Richard Biddle Roberts, a prominent Pittsburgh law- 
yer who went out as colonel of the 1st Pennsylvania Reserves. 



The 63rd Around Washington 173 

from the service in November, 1862. He is marked "honorably 
discharged" on the adjutant general's register for 1863. He 
was a man of talent and education and a musician of note, as 
the general states. 

COLONEL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Johnston, Jan. 24th, 1862. 
"Dear Sir: 

"Have only time to write a very short note before our 
mail carrier leaves for Alexandria. 

"Have deferred writing expecting to hear when Annie 
would leave for Washington. When she leaves I wish you 
to telegraph to Colonel Roberts and he will telegraph to me 
here. 

^ "James is with us, although I only see him at night 
when I am with the regiment. He is well, and enjoys military 
life apparently. I leave for the courtmartial in the morning 
and do not return until evening. Jim occupies my house, 
which is snug and comfortable, and will be much more so 
when Annie arrives. We are all in remarkable health. 

"Love to all, 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex Hays." 

MRS. HAYS TO HER MOTHER, MRS. J. B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Johnston, Va., Feb. ist, 1862. 
"Dear Mother : 

"Just after sending ofif my letter to you I received a short 
one from father, the first news from home and very welcome. 
Today little 'Rachie's' excellent letter was received. Mrs. 
Jameson was spending the day with me and was so much 
pleased with the letter that she asked it shown to the general. 
I hope to hear soon again. Rachie had better send on the 
cap as soon as it is finished. There is nothing new from the 
Army of the Potomac, nothing but rain, snow and mud. As 
for an advance in the present state of the roads it is impos- 
sible. It would take a steam engine to move a cannon now. 

"The 63rd are as merry as crickets, and the health of all 
is good. The colonel has adjourned the courtmartial over to 
Monday, so we have had a long talk of our home and the 
children. Poor Alex, at times he feels gloomy to think of 
the future, and the thought of never being at home again ; 
his health is good, and never was man so looked up to as he 
is by his men. He is doing well, so I have much to be thank- 
ful for. 

"Capts. McHenry and Chapman had their swords returned 

1 .Tames B. McFadden, the general's brother-in-law, brother of 
Mrs. Hays. 



174 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

today and are nov/ doing duty. It has been a severe lesson 
to all, but the colonel says he already finds it has had a good 
effect on the men. I went up to call on David Shields in his 
quarters. He looks very comfortable and says he is as happy 
as he can be. 

"Dr. Marks has a large new tent in which he holds church. 
I expect to go tomorrow. 

"I cannot say what day I will go home, it depends entirely 
upon how the children are doing. Please, mother, let me 
know exactly how they are doing. Alex would like me to stay 
longer, as this will be my last visit to the 'Army of the 
Potomac' There is no doubt now but the army will move 
as soon as the roads are passable. 

"Tell father the colonel has as many clothes as he needs. 
The vest fits nicely. The colonel does not wish the negro, 
Henry [Rosier], back, and he gave him express orders to go 
to father the instant he arrived. I never saw the colonel more 
annoyed than when he read father's letter. I hope the pony 
was in good condition. I know David will take good care of 
everything. How does Mrs. Patterson get along? Has Rachel 
come home yet? I hope her visit has done her good. Is 
'Mag' still getting better? Why don't Aggie write? The 
mail carrier waits, so good bye. All well. 

"Annie." 

MRS. HAYS TO MRS. McFADDEN 

"Camp Johnston, Va., Feb. 3rd, 1862. 
''Dear Mother: 

"Yesterday morning [Sunday], the sun arose bright and 
clear, and was the first real sunshine since I came, so all 
felt happy and comfortable. I will tell you how I spent the 
day. At 10 o'clock Capt. Danks called to go to church with 
me. We found the large tent crowded that not even standing 
room could be found, still I managed to get in. I never was 
in a more solemn meeting; many of the men were affected to 
tears. Dr. Marks read an excellent letter from M. B. Brown. 
In the tent were Adjutant Corts and Capt. McHenry. 

"After dinner the colonel drove me up to the hospital, 
where we found the patients looking clean and comfortable, 
much better than when I was here before, and not one severe 
case, most of them are suffering with rheumatism. Some 
reading their Bibles, others had hymn books and newspapers, 
everything was quiet. As Alex passed along the beds he had 
a cheerful and pleasant word to speak to all. How kindly 
he was answered ; some tried to get up that they might speak 
to him, or catch his hand. His influence is wonderful. The 
lady nurses speak in the highest terms of him. 

"As we rode home we stopped upon the top of the hill 
to enjoy the view. At our feet lay the camps of more than 



The 63rd Around Washington 175 



50 regiments, all out on dress parade, and as the sun shone 
upon the glistening bayonets, it looked more like a scene of 
enchantment, than one of civil war. The music floated upon 
the evening air, making me feel sad. How many will return 
to their homes, God alone knows. 

"Alex, after sitting a long time quiet, turned to me and 
said : 'Annie, there is a scene you will never forget. I would 
give any money if your father was beside me.' How much I 
wish he could come, for in a few weeks there will be a great 
change. 

"When I returned from the hospital I found my house 
full of the negroes from Mr. Mason's.^ They gave me a warm 
welcome. Tell 'Rachie' I gave the beads she sent and the 
children were much pleased. 

"After supper I went again to the prayer meeting, and 
some of the prayers, mother, I will never forget ; some were 
for a widowed mother, then for a beloved wife and children 
so dear. A big soldier next to me sobbed aloud. Tattoo beat 
while we were in prayer, and I never knew it came so soon. 
This week is to be devoted to prayer meeting each evening, 
for next Sunday Dr. Marks intends having a communion serv- 
ice. Persons of all orthodox churches are invited, besides a 
number of young men are going to unite with the church, and 
become soldiers of the cross. Several will be baptized. When 
I came home Alex told me I should have the prayer meeting 
in this house if I wished. I intend doing so. May God bless 
and hear the prayers offered. 

"The colonel is still holding the courtmartial. He cannot 
tell when they will be through. ]\Ir. Corts told me that when 
the colonel gave Capts. McHenry and Chapman their swords 
he gave them a lecture they will never forget. McHenry sent 
me down the manuscript of that beautiful piece, 'The Picket 
Guard.' He is the author of it.^ 

"The more I see of the field officers of the 63rd, the better 
am I pleased. Colonel Morgan has improved, Alex says, very 
much, also Major Wallace. On Saturday Mr. Lysle ^ brought 
the colonel the very handsomest shoulder straps I ever saw. 
The officers said they would not allow their old colonel to 
wear such buzzards as were on his coat. Mother, I felt proud 
of Alex when he started off for the courtmartial this morning. 
I never saw him look so well. 

"I have not seen Lieut. Brown yet, as he is in George- 
town. I hope to see him before I go home. 

"How does Mrs. Patterson get along with the children? 
I feel anxious to hear more particularly how they are. I wish 

1 George Mason, on whose farm the regiment was encamped in 
Fairfax County, Virginia. 

2 Charles W. McHenry, captain Company G, 63rd Regiment. 

3 Lysle, quartermaster, 63rd Regiment. 



176 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Aggie would write. Give my love to all. I will set the day 
for my return when I hear from home. 

"Your daughter, 

"Annie." 

The poem beginning, "All quiet along the Potomac 
tonight," is generally credited to Mrs. Ethel Lynn Beers. 
There are yet men living who testify that Capt. McHenry 
wrote the poem. General Hays' own hand certifies it. In 
the South, the claim has been made for Lamar Fontaine, a 
private in the 2nd Virginia Cavalry. Adjutant J. A. Young 
and Capt. George B. Chalmers^ can attest that Capt. McHenry 
wrote the piece, in spite of Mrs. Beers' fame. The letter 
above from Mrs. Hays is contemporaneous with the poem. 

If Capt. McHenry did not write the poem, he successfully 
imposed upon Colonel Hays and others of his comrades of 
the 63rd Regiment, for Capt. Chalmers claims to have seen 
McHenry writing the piece. There is no doubt that the poem 
was printed in Harper's Weekly in 1861 and that Ethelinda 
Beers, or Mrs. Ethel Lynn Beers, as she signed herself later, 
was paid for the poem by the Harpers, for the check as a 
voucher is still retained by them. It appeared in the "Southern 
Literary Messenger" in February, 1863, from the pen of 
Lamar Fontaine, and still later another Southern soldier 
claimed the authorship. A less characteristic caption is "The 
Picket Guard." It was in the fall of 1861 that the phrase: 
"All quiet along the Potomac" was most familiar and an 
almost daily newspaper headline. Colonel and Mrs. Hays 
fully believed in McHenry 's authorship. Fontaine's rival in 
the South was one Thad Oliver.- Mrs. McHenry wrote Mr. 
Gilbert A. Hays while the 63rd's history, "Under The Red 
Patch," was being prepared, that her husband always claimed 
authorship and that he asserted that more than one of his 
comrades saw him write the poem. 

The following letter from the Hon. George Mason to 

1 Capt. Chalmers died December 20, 1912. He was a wonder- 
fully deep bass, celebrated in Pittsburgh as a singer. He firmly 
believed in McHenry's authorship of the poem. 

2 Consult "Bugle Echoes," a collection of poems of the Civil 
War, by Francis F. Browne; P. 67, and ."Under the Red Patch;" P. 
58; vide also "The Peninsula Campaign in Virginia," by James J. 
Marks, chaplain of the 63rd Regiment; P. 78, viz.: "The danger 
of the picket line suggested the following beautiful gem, of the 
authorship of which I am uncertain," followed by the poem in full. 
If McHenry wrote it, why should Marks not know? 



The 63rd Around Washington 177 

Colonel Hays has been preserved and is in the possession of 
the Hays family, coming to them through the grandfather, 
John B. McFadden. It is a rare document of the early war 
days when the Northern people and soldiers were careful to 
do nothing to give offense. Such a thing as a crow carrying 
its provisions as it flew over certain parts of Virginia, had not 
been heard of or even thought of. 

,,„. "Spring Bank, Va., Nov. I7th, 1861. 

Sir: r- o 

"Emboldened by your kind note of sometime since, in 
which you were so good as to say you wished to be informed 
of any injury done me by those under your command, and 
that you would afford me protection, I must beg to call your 
attention to the wholesale destruction of my rail and other 
fences around your encampment. I have been long sick in 
the house, and therefore cannot positively say when this was 
done, but my attention was directed to it by my servants and 
family this morning, and I rather suppose from what they 
tell me, the greater part of the destruction has been done in 
the last 48 hours. It turns my whole premises into the 
commons, and renders my fields useless to me even when no 
longer occupied as an encampment. 

"I earnestly, sir, pray your attention to the subject and 
that I may have some redress for so important an injury. 
"Very respectfully sir, your obt. svt., 

"G. Mason." 

"P. S. Can you inform me who commands the regiment 
east of your encampment, where similar destruction has taken 
place, as I wish to communicate with him on the subject?"^ 

The Honorable Mason felt constrained also to post this 
notice, the original also, preserved in the same manner : 

"Spring Bank, Va., Deer. 20th, 1861. 
NOTICE! 
"Having had several applications lately to rent a 
room in my house, and being compelled from my own 
very bad health and the condition of my family and 
household, to whom quiet and rest are so indispens- 
ible, to decline doing so, I have to say that our con- 
dition renders it impossible to let a room to any one, 
and I hope, therefore, to be spared in the future 
the unpleasant necessity of a personal refusal. 

"G. Mason." 

1 Memorandum in the handwriting of John B. McFadden at^ 
tached to this letter. "This 'notice' on the otlier side, was written 
by one of Virginia's greatest aristocrats, and a deep-dyed Rebel, 
whose great age only prevented his taking a decided part in the 
rebellion." 



178 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

To rightly understand the locus of the Mason farm and 
the character of the man, the following extract from the story 
of the 63rd Regiment is appropos : ^ 

"We marched down the old Leesburg pike a short dis- 
tance and then filed right. We left Alexandria on our left, 
and crossing the historical Hunting Creek, noted for the 
immense flocks of wild geese and ducks that frequented its 
waters, passed the partly completed Fort Lyon, and after 
going about three-quarters of a mile further on the Alexandria 
and Pohick road, encamped on the farm of a noted Rebel 
named George Mason. We were now on the extreme left 
of the Army of the Potomac and in the corps commanded by 
General Heintzelman. 

"A more bitter or non-compromising Rebel never lived 
than this man Mason upon whose farm we were encamped. 
He hated the very name of North, and everything connected 
with it. A more haughty, overbearing autocrat never existed, 
and it was gall and wormwood to him to see the boys in blue 
on his place, and the hated Stars and Stripes flaunted in his 
very face. He was a prominent politician, also a magistrate, 
and it was said his great delight was to have poor whites 
arrested for petty larceny, trading with his negroes, or other 
trivial charges. He would have them tied to a post in his yard 
and would sit on his porch and rub his hands with glee to 
see them writhe under the lash well laid on by a stalwart 
overseer. He had been very wealth}', and as a politician, had 
worked hard to embitter the South against the North. He 
was the author of the celebrated bill brought up in convention 
to have all Northern men expelled from the state of Virginia, 
and was one of secession's most ardent advocates. 

"But a day of retribution came at last. One beautiful 
morning in May he was startled by the terrible news that 
Colonel Ellsworth, with his zouaves, had crossed the Potomac, 
entered Alexandria, and invaded the 'sacred soil of Virginia.' 
Terrible consternation seized him at once, and hasty prepara- 
tions were made for immediate flight. He gathered up his 
large band of slaves, packed up his plate and other valuables, 
loaded his wagons, put his family into carriages, and in the 
wildest haste, made a start for Richmond. But he had a bitter 
dose yet to swallow. Just as his family carriage, followed by 
his slaves, reached the great gate leading to the Pohick road, 
a squad of Union cavalry dashed up and halted the procession. 
The family was terribly frightened, and it is said that Mason's 
profanity was sublime and picturesque. He cursed the Union 
and its defenders, called them mudsills. Lincoln hirelings, 
Yankee scum, and other pet names, declaring that such an 
outrage on a Virginia gentleman would cause rivers of blood 
to flow. But the soldiers were firm and marched him and his 

1 "Under the Red Patch," PP. 37, 38. 



The 63rd Around Washington 179 



family back to the house where, for many weary months, he 
was compelled to remain a prisoner, never being permitted 
to leave the premises. This meant a holiday for his slaves, 
many of whom ran off, all delighted at the state of affairs and 
greatly enjoyed the discomfiture of 'ole mastah,' 

"The camp where we were now located was known as 
Camp Johnston, though the boys with the usual habit of giv- 
ing fanciful names to all our camps, called it 'Camp Penny- 
royal,' and here Jameson's brigade settled down and remained 
until March 17, 1862." 

Chaplain Marks paints Mason's character in dark colors. 
He says : 

"Alason's boast and glory was that the blood of the 
Stuarts flowed in his veins, being a descendant of Charles II., 
and certainly the general contour of his face strikingly re- 
minded one of many of the portraits of that family, and in 
the expression of cold, savage brutality, he fell short of none 
of his illustrious ancestors. This man is one of the few of 
whom I have yet to learn of a single good act to shine like 
a gem in the general waste of a barren life. As a son, by his 
unnatural cruelty, he brought upon himself the curse of his 
mother; as a magistrate, he was as remorseless as James II.; 
as a master, there are no words in the English language to 
paint him." 

"War laid upon the Honorable Mason a savage hand. 
His fields were encampments; his fences were consumed for 
fuel ; his forest lands were soon treeless, and Mr. Mason could 
look over his wide farm and see everywhere desolation. This 
was the winter of his discontent. The very presence of our 
soldiers filled him with frenzy, and his rage was beyond dis- 
guise. But after a while his avarice mastered every other 
passion. In order to obtain damages for the ruin of his prop- 
erty he took the oath of allegiance, brought in a bill of $80,000 
against the government, charging $20,000 for the cord wood 
we cut and $10,000 for his fences. * * * Such is one of 
the aristocrats who plunged the whole country into war and 
brought ruin on Virginia." ^ 

Just how the transformed patriot. Mason, was recom- 
pensed cannot be gone into here. The 63rd Regiment left 
him and his history has not been handed down further. 

COLONEL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Johnston, Feb. 5th, 1862. 
"Dear Sir: 

"I have depended upon Annie ^ to write while she belongs 
to the 63rd. I am still on duty with the general courtmartial, 
which occupies my time from 9 to 3 each day. 

1 "The Peninsula Campaign," etc., Marks, P. 30. 

2 Annie — Mrs. Hays. 



180 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"Annie is comfortabl}'- situated and you need not expect 
her home for a week, unless her presence among the children 
is demanded. It will be her last and only opportunity to 
observe and study 'The Grand Army.' When we will move 
is not apparent, though it must be near at hand. Our troops 
are suffering from 'hope deferred,' and an advance will be 
hailed with joy. For my own regiment I can speak with con- 
fidence. I believe I can rely upon them in every emergency. 
I have tried them on march and in bivouac, and given them 
the smell of 'battle afar off,' which they snuffed as eagerly 
as Job's war horse. Our Austrian rifles have been tested and 
throw a ball with terrible force to long distances, but the men 
have been taught and will rely mainly upon the four-ribbed 
bayonets, which are a splendid appendage for drilling holes in 
Rebel carcasses. 

"We have some frosts at night, and the ground is covered 
with snow to the depth of several inches. Today the sun is 
shining brightly and may give us mud in exchange for our 
snows. I hear no complaints among the men of suffering or 
want. All are in good health and comfortably housed. If 
we have a want it is for woolen mittens [with one finger], 
and if the patriotic and charitable ladies at home wish to add 
to their soldiers' comforts, let them send on mittens. 

"I have no more time but have Annie to finish the btidget. 
My love to all, to mother and Rachel, and to all the little 
ones at home. "Yours sincerely, 

"Alexander Hays." 

MRS. HAYS TO MRS. McFADDEN 

"Camp Johnston, Va., Feb. 6, 1862. 
"Dear Mother: 

"I have just received letters from father and James ^ 
and feel glad to hear good news from Linton. 

"Yesterday the lady nurses came down to see me and 
as their sick men were convalescent I invited them to spend 
the day with me. I walked up to Capt. Ormsby's company 
and asked them to go through the bayonet exercise for the 
ladies, for they are better drilled than any other company 
in that exercise. You would be surprised to see how active 
they are. Indeed, Ellsworth himself might be proud of them. 
I am sorry they have not a better captain ; he is a worthless 
man. 

"Well, after we came home from drill I sent for the band, 
who gave us some good music until dinner time. 

"After tea we w-ent to prayer meeting and found it 
crowded, as usual. During the exercises eight young men 
arose and requested the prayers of the congregation. It was 

1 John B. McFadden and his son James. 



The 63rd Around Washington 181 



a most interesting meeting. The ladies went home much 
pleased with the day, the first day of relaxation for over three 
months. 

"This morning the colonel and I were all ready to go to 
Washington, but it commenced raining, so we gave it up. I 
intend going up to invite Tillie and Ellie Hutchison to spend 
some days with me as I am fixed up very nice, and I know 
they would be much pleased. I wrote a note to Mrs. Stanton 
and will send the wagon any day they wish. The colonel will 
go to Stanton's with me when I go. 

"This morning Lieut. Schonlow tendered his resignation 
on account of ill health. He has never been well since his 
return. I do not know how soon he will go home. I will 
go with him, I think. 

"On Monday, loth, nth, 12th, the 63rd go out on picket 
duty. I hope the poor fellows will have good weather, for it 
is most terrible now. The colonel being on the courtmartial, 
will not go with the regiment unless there is a prospect of a 
fight. Colonel Morgan has command. 

"I am glad the pony is doing well, and hope the children 
are careful not to go too near him. I am sending the children 
some valentines. 

"How is Rachel getting along with General Jameson's 
cap? She must try and do it very nice. Aggie's letter I was 
much pleased with. Tell father that Mrs. Brown's box to 
Dr. Crawford has not yet been received. 

"Klinefelter has not made his appearance, but I suppose 
he will come this evening. 

"I can hear the Rebel batteries firing all day on a gunboat. 

"McDowell of Ormsby's company has no money to send 
home. 

"David Shields has spent part of this afternoon with me. 
He looks very well and tells me he was never better in his 
life. After he left I sent him up some tomatoes for his supper. 

"Tell father I read that part of his letter to the colonel 
in which he spoke of Mr. Stewart selling liquor to the officers. 
He says it is a falsehood, and he would like the name of the 
person who said so. 

"General Jameson has just made me a most pleasant visit, 
invited the colonel and myself over to dinner at 6 o'clock, 
but I declined as the colonel is only at home in the evening. 
I promised to go and spend tomorrow. The general says he 
registered my name at the War Department for the first 
vacant post, and will send a guard home for the children. 

"But it is almost night, so I will close. Love to each 
one of my babies. 

"Yours, 

"Annie." ^ 

1 Annie — Mrs. Hays. 



182 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Mrs. Edwin M. Stanton and Mrs. Hays were girlhood 
friends, distantly related, and in their intercourse called each 
other cousin. Mrs. Stanton was ]\Iiss Ellen Hutchison of 
Pittsburgh. The estimate of Capt. Ormsby of Company D 
•is a correct one. He resigned in March, 1862, before he was 
under fire. He had been first lieutenant of Company I of 
the I2th Regiment, and shone as a drillmaster. He became 
a drillmaster for recruits at Harrisburg, and his name appears 
subsequently on Pennsylvania records in the militia rosters 
of 1863, but not at the front. He was in no way related to 
the Pittsburgh Ormsbys. After the war Ormsby, or Ormsbee, 
did not return to Pittsburgh and his subsequent career is 
unknown to any of the regiment. 

COLONEL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Johnston, Feb. 8th, 1862. 
"Dear Sir: 

"Annie received a budget of letters today of various dates 
— two from you of the 4th and 5th. All day and tonight she 
is suffering from one of her ordinary headaches, otherwise 
she is in perfect health, and appears to have enjoyed her visit 
very much. Mrs. Jameson has just left us, and her sympa- 
thetic visit has done 'a power of good.' 

"Your letters contrast the weather of your section with 
ours, as though you imagined we were within the tropics, 
which I assure you is not the case. We would give anything 
for a good continuous freeze. On the contrary, we have a 
succession of winds, sleet and snow storms, all ending in mud, 
that we would be willing to exchange our location for any 
place else. 

"Our house is very comfortable, and is much admired by 
all visitors. I am promised a sketch of the premises by 'our 
own special artist,' a member of the regiment band, and Annie 
will carry it home with her. 



"I remark in two of your letters a charge against Mr. 
Stewart, our sutler. Without any discussion of the case, as 
colonel of the 63rd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, I pro- 
nounce it a bare, malicious falsehood, which could only have 
originated with the friends of the scoundrels who endeavored 
to buy from me what he obtained from an appreciation of his 
character as an honest, upright. Christian gentleman. I am 
not at all disturbed by the charge, although I know he will 
be when I communicate it to him, as I shall tomorrow morn- 
ing. I have conversed with you frequently on similar subjects, 
and expressed my opinion that an individual preferring such 



The 63rd Around Washington 183 



serious charges against others, beyond their immediate reach, 
should have the manliness to give their authority for their 
statements. 

"Hereafter no notice will be taken of any report deroga- 
tory of the regiment, which I have the honor to command, 
or of any one connected with it, unless a responsible namg 
can be furnished as its caluminator. 

"We were much dissatisfied as was also Mrs. Jameson, 
that you had prevented little Rachel from writing to the gen- 
eral, and presenting her own cap. No one would more enjoy 
such a letter and present, and that is not much to his credit, 
as a far greater soldier 'suffered little ones.' You don't under- 
stand 'human nature.' 

"I am pleased you like the pony. He is certainly a trump. 
I don't want you to send Henry back, as I have two contra- 
bands who only cost their boarding, which is paid by the U. S. 
[as prisoners], and I would not exchange either of them for 
Henry. [Rosier.] 

"I paid Dick and Henry their full wages, but as a security 
for the delivery of the horse, made Henry pay all expenses 
home, which should be refunded to him, as well as that of his 
own passage. 

"I will stop now as it is growing late. 

"Annie is sleeping as quietly and gently as if in her own 
bed at home, and in a few days, with the first responsible 
escort, she will be 'homeward bound.' 

"Love to all, mother, Rachel and the dear little ones at 
Linton,^ and to everybody who cares for us at home. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alexander Hays." 

"P. S. My duties on courtmartial prevent my accom- 
panying the regiment on picquet, but Morgan - will be there." 

MRS. HAYS TO HER DAUGHTER, AGNES 

"Camp Johnston, Feb. 9th, 1862. 
"My Dear Agnes: 

"I have just received an excellent and very welcome let- 
ter, and will try and write as well as I can, but I have just 
got over a severe headache, which has lasted three days, and 
feel yet very weak. 

"I am glad to find from your letters that all at Linton 
are doing well. How happy I will be to see all their dear faces 
again, but I cannot tell what day I will leave, for I do not 
know of any person now going, if there is no one going I will 
have to start myself. 

"The 63rd start on three days' picket duty tomorrow at 

1 Linton, the home of the Hays family along the Allegheny 
River opposite Sharpsburg, now Morningside Road, Pittsburgh. 

2 Lieut. -Colonel 63rd Regiment. 



184 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



daylight, so Camp Johnston will be deserted except by the 
guard. Your papa will give the command to Lieut. -Colonel 
Morgan, but will ride down to see how they get along. Papa 
was wishing he could have his little ones here for the next 
three days, as we will be alone. Every day he gets out your 
likenesses and admires each one. I wish we had dear 
'Jimmy's.' ^ 

"Mrs. Jameson is quite anxious to see the cap 'Rachie' 
knit, and has requested me to have her write a letter to the 
general when she sends the cap. 

"I felt much disappointed that Klinefelter did not call at 
the store for the package, but he says he was in such trouble 
about his brother, who was blown up on a steamboat a few 
days ago, that he never thought of his promise until it was 
too late. 

"This morning we had communion service for the first 
time. There were over two hundred communicants, 40 of 
whom have taken the sacrament for the first time. Eight 
men were baptized. Mrs. Jameson and the general came over, 
and went with me. They were surprised to see such a con- 
gregation. Brother Danks, Jones and myself compose the 
choir, but all joined and I have seldom heard better, for all 
sang from their hearts. 

"There was quite an excitement in camp when the news 
of the surrender of Fort Henry came. The band played all 
the national airs, and the 63rd cheered as if they would burst 
their throats. We hope soon to hear of more victories, when 
the roads dry up. Not a day passes but we can hear the Rebel 
batteries firing on some gunboat or oyster sloop. Tell Alden ^ 
I have many stories to tell him, as the guide, Williamson,^ 
spent the evening here and told me all about the fight at 
Potter's. He is guide for the left wing. 

"Tell grandpa not to mention anything about Lieut. 
Schonlow's resignation, as he will perhaps reconsider. 

"Your loving mother, 

"Annie A. Hays." 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Johnston, Feb. 22nd, 1862. 
"Dearest Annie : 

"I have begun the second to you since you left, although 
I have received one very brief one day before yesterday from 

1 The Hays baby. 

2 "Alden," eldest son of Colonel and Mrs. Hays. 

3 "Williamson was valuable to us as a scout and guide. He 
was a shrewd, cunning man, who had been injured by some of the 
wealthy whites, and revenge was, I feared, a stronger motive with 
him than a desire to benefit his country." "The Peninsula Campaign 
In Virginia," Rev. J. J. Marks; P. 81. Williamson's subsequent 
history is unknown. 



The 63rd Around Washington 185 



home. I was disappointed today inasmuch as several letters 
arrived for me, I knew there was a mail, but nothing from you. 
We are all in usual health and spirits. It has rained very 
heavily, and the mud is becoming almost bottomless. I saw 
Mrs. Jameson yesterday, and gave your love. She is the same 
always. 

"In the absence of a letter from you I have very little 
to write about, and will consequently make this very short, 
but if I receive one tomorrow will write again in the evening. 

"I miss you very much, but more of that again. Love to 
mother, Rachel and to all the little ones at home. 

"I will write the letter I promised to Rebecca Shields ^ 
in a day or so, as soon as the spirit of writing takes me. 

"God bless you and all. There is nothing new as to 
moving. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

COLONEL HAYS TO JOHN B. McPADDEN 

"Camp Johnston, Feb. 2^, 1862. 
''Dear Sir: 

"I received yours of the 21st, as promptly as mail could 
bring it. I have heard but once, and very briefly, from Annie 
since she left for home. I have written twice myself and 
was disappointed I did not hear from her by this day's mail 
also. 

"Our celebration of the birth of Washington was ex- 
tremely limited. The 'Farewell Address' was read and the boys 
appeared to appreciate the occasion, and enjoyed themselves 
according to their means. 

"I am pleased to learn that Capt. Reid is on his return 
to the regiment. We are in want of 30 men to fill our compli- 
ment of 1,046 men. Two recruits arrived today, leaving a 
difference of 28 men. 

"So many, in fact all other regiments, excepting ours, 
are very deficient of men. Maxwell has but 770 men [I pity 
them], McKnight not over 800, and the New York regiment, 
which took Rippey's place, I am informed, has no greater 
number. 

"Rumors of moves and removes are very prevalent here, 
but I am not aware of any intended designation for the 63rd. 

"Two regiments from this division I am informed are 
now at Pohick Church to protect Mr. Low, the aeronaut, while 
he makes a reconnaissance of the enemy's lines, per balloon. 

"Our friends need not be surprised to hear of sudden 
movements, but you shall hear promptly, although as I have 
said, I neither know when or where. 

1 Rebecca Shields, member of the well known family of the 
Sewickley Valley, and aunt of Capt. David Shields, a generous 
worker for the 63rd Regiment and the cause. 



186 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"My regiment never was in better condition, and anxious 
to 'pitch in.' As far as they, my boys, are concerned, they will 
not deceive the expectations of their friends, and will not ask 
a precedent from any regiment. 

"I write again to Annie and hereafter will write regu- 
larly to her each Sunday if possible. Tomorrow I take command 
of the regiment, which needs me much. I am now relieved 
from courtmartial service, which is tedious and vexatious. 
Morgan is well, also Kirkwood and everybody else. Love to 
mother and Rachel, and regards to all friends. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex." 

During the winter of 1861-1862 several Pennsylvania regi- 
ments were still in process of formation. Colonel O. H. 
Rippey's regiment, the 61 st, was completed by detaching four 
companies from Colonel David B. Birney's 23rd Pennsylvania 
[the Birney Zouaves]. Colonel Alaxwell's regiment was the 
57th, and McKnight's the 105th. The S7th New York took 
Rippey's place in Jameson's brigade, the 61 st Pennsylvania 
going to Graham's brigade of D. C. Buell's division of Keyes' 
corps, and winning subsequent renown in the Sixth Corps of 
the Army of the Potomac under Generals Sedgwick and 
Wright. 

Colonel Maxwell of the 57th Pennsylvania did not go into 
actual service, having resigned March 4, 1862. Colonel Hays 
had an opinion of him that can be best expressed by the word 
"contempt." It was in the 87th New York that Corporal 
James Tanner served, and lost both legs at Second Bull Run, 
the same battle in which Colonel Hays was wounded and 
disabled. 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Johnston, February 25th, 1862. 
"Dear Annie : 

"I will now write this, my third since you left, in exchange 
for only one received from you. I was disappointed yesterday, 
and will be more so today, if I do not hear from you directly. 
I am anxious to hear of yourself from yourself. 

"Nothing has transpired of much interest, excepting the 
proceedings of the 22nd, which was celebrated in the church 
by reading the 'Farewell Address,' with the addition of patri- 
otic songs and music from the band. 

"Today services were held in the church several times, 
I hope with the best results. I have at length been relieved 



The 63rd Around Washington 187 



from my duties on courtmartial, at which I feel well satisfied, 
as they were annoying and irksome. 

"We are all well as usual. If I hear from you today I 
will try to write again tomorrow. God bless you all, and give 
my love to all at home and at 104.^ 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

COLONEL HAYS TO JOHN B. McPADDEN 

"Camp Johnston, February 27th, 1862. 
"Dear Sir : 

"As I have promised to give 3'ou the earliest information 
of anything indicating a movement of the 'Grand Army,' I 
will tell you all I know. The fold of the 'Anaconda' [which 
is destined to strangle rebellion], and within which we are 
quartered, has for some time past given indication of what 
was going on at the head and tail of the monster. Last 
night [too late for this day's mail], the development was made 
completely by the receipt of an order from headquarters, 
which I believe was general, 'to hold the troops ready to march 
at a moment's warning, with two day's provisions [cooked] 
in the haversacks of the men.' 

"The announcement of the orders was received by my 
men with cheer after cheer, in prospect of change from the 
dull, monotonous life they have led in camp since last Sep- 
tember, and from stimulated hope that they might be permitted 
to show the country that there were other soldiers than those 
whom favoritism had sent forward to Forts Henry and Don- 
aldson, Roanoke Island and Port Royal. When we move no 
one can surmise, although certainly within a few days. 

"The troops march v/ith the smallest possible quantity 
of baggage, only four wagons being allowed to my regiment, 
which now numbers one thousand and twenty-four men 
[1,024]. No officer is allowed more than a carpet bag, or 
hand trunk, and individual baggage must not exceed 50 
pounds. 

"The batteries of the Rebels along the Potomac which 
for so many nights disturbed [ ?] our peaceful slumbers, have 
for the last two or three days ceased to reverberate. 

'So darkly glooms the thunder cloud, 
That swaths as with a sable shroud, 
Virginia's distant hills.' 2 

"The Rebels are evidently endeavoring to withdraw the 
artillery which they have on the Potomac, back towards 
Manassas, but if our leaders are not deceived, Heintzelman 
will be with his division between them and their haven, while 

1 No. 104 Penn Street, now Penn Avenue, near Hay Street, 
now Fourth Street, was the McFadden family residence. 

2 Quotation not found; likely a war-time poem. 



188 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Hooker will cross the river from the Maryland side, and hurry- 
up their transportation. 

"I have put no faith in rumors, until they are confirmed, 
but we have a rumor tonight that Banks has been repulsed. 
We know his division crossed the Potomac yesterday, but 
tomorrow we will hear the truth. 

"It is useless that I should take the time to speak of 
probabilities or possibilities, which you will see described 
daily in your morning papers. 

"I received eight recruits today, fine, active young fellows, 
who look as if they could sling a bayonet without much train- 
ing. That is to be our weapon — cold steel, propelled by 
Northern muscle. I called upon General Heintzelman yes- 
terday, and spent an hour with him examining maps, etc. 
We never meet without having a little amicable quarrel. He 
thinks there is no such regiment at the 63rd, and one of his 
parting remarks to the colonel of the same, upon an occasion 
in which the point had been carried against him was, 'I knew 
you 20 years ago, and you would always have your own way.' 

"Just now I hear a gunboat firing down the Potomac, 
something is going on, and I feel anxious, for a few days ago 
the general requested me to give him 25 good boatmen to 
go on a reconnaissance by water, with his topographical engi- 
neers, and I fear they will get into trouble. 

"Maxwell has resigned and John Wilkins ^ is appointed 
colonel of the 57th. God speed the new colonel. The 57th 
lies across a road from the 63rd. 

"Since Annie left I have written at least four times to 
her, twice enclosed to you. Today I have a very meagre 
letter from her, the second which she has written since her 
return, in which she complains that I have not written to 
her at all. I cannot understand it, for surely there cannot 
be so much defect in the mails. I will endeavor to write to 
her again in the morning before the mail leaves, but I am 
admonished by my watch that it is morning now — half past 
I o'clock. 

"Love to mother, Rachel and all at 104, and to poor dear 
Margaret my warmest sympathy, in the new afflictions which 
Annie has announced to me in her letter. I feel much more 
than I dare express. 

1 John Wilkins did not succeed Colonel Maxwell. Charles T. 
Campbell, however, did, and remained in command until wounded 
at Second Bull Run at the same time as Colonel Hays, who speaks of 
him in subsequent letter as being in the same hospital. Maxwell 
was a West Pointer who did not graduate. Colonel Campbell made 
the 57th one of the best regiments in the service. A short time 
before Appomattox it was consolidated with the 84th, but retained 
its number. Colonel Campbell was a veteran of Mexico. He was a 
captain in the Eleventh U. S. Infantry. Vide Wilcox "History of 
the Mexican War," P. 643. 



The 63rd Around Washington 189 



"Kind regards to all the friends of the 63rd. Assure them 
all are as they would wish them to be — in health, and con- 
tentment, until our country has no further need of them. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex." 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Johnston, Va., March 3rd, 1862. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I will only write a few lines, as I have not time and 
anything from you to answer. I have received only two short 
letters from you since you left me at Washington. I have 
written this, the fifth, and will continue to write at short 
intervals even if you will not write to me. 

"You ought to be scolded but I cannot do it, so I will 
write the remainder good humoredly. 

"Well, 'dear gal,' after the terrible fright which the gen- 
eral commanding threw us into on the subject of 'on to 
Richmond,' we are just where his order found us. 

"We are not idle, however, for this is our picquet tour, 
and as soon as I finish I will mount 'Dan' and march to the 
borders. Our picquets are advanced four or five miles. We 
are now on the Occoquan, and Morgan will hold Pohick 
Church.- 

"Wallace rests at Lewis Chapel, and Corts and myself 
'lay around loose' among them, wherever we are wanted. I 
always pity the poor devils, we are crowding them on all sides. 

"I have the news of poor little Wallace's death, and can 
imagine the grief of poor 'Mag.' ^ God bless her, and support 
her under this new affliction. I know I am considered indif- 
ferent to such matters, and outwardly it is so, but no one, 
not even you, knows how deep it goes to my heart. 

"I can only write the dull routine of camp from day to 
day. You have always something new, even if it is one of 
'Jimmy's' last jokes, so write. I will write whenever there 
is anything transpiring, and be assured, dearest wife, that 
wherever I am and wherever it be, in death as well as life, I 
will turn my thoughts to you. 

"God bless you and our children. I have something more 
to say when I return. 

"Love to all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

"P. S. Tell your father that recognaissance is derived 
from the Celtic, and that reconnaissance is a Yankee corrup- 
tion." 

• 

1 "Mag" refers to Mrs. George W. Murphy, Mrs. Hays' sister. 



190 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

T E L E G R A :^I 
NATIONAL TELEGRAPH LINES 
Office 68 Fifth Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 
Fort Lyon, Washington, March 5. 1862. 

To John B. McFadden, Pittsburgh, Pa. : 
Capt. C. W. Chapman and Quartermaster James 
M. Lysle were killed this morning on a scouting party 

by the Rebels. . , j tt 

^ Alexander Hays, 

Colonel 63rd P. V. 

In the history of the 63rd Regiment will be found this 
account : 

"Our picket lines were on the Accotink while those of 
the Rebels were on the Occoquan, and between these two 
streams was a tract of country wiiich might be called debatable 
ground which was overrun by the scouts of both armies, and 
parties from either side would collect forage and pick up 
everything of a portable nature that could be used in camp, 
hence the people living on this tract were in a sad predicament, 
being robbed by both sides — not a chicken, sheep, hog, or 
anything eatable left them, save such things as they could 
securely hide from the keen-eyed foragers. Sometimes these 
scouting parties would meet and there would be a skirmish. 
An afTair of this kind occurred on the night of the 5th of 
March, 1862. We were on picket at Pohick Church, and a 
detachment of the regiment, under Lieut. -Colonel Morgan, 
had gone out on a scout toward Occoquan. The Rebels pre- 
pared a trap for them, and as they were passing along a dark 
and lonely road, they were saluted by a severe fire from the 
enemy in ambush which killed Capt. C. W. Chapman of Com- 
pany K, Quartermaster James M. Lysle and Private Cyrus 
Moore of Company G, and wounded several others. Our 
men returned the fire, but it is not known if any of the Rebels 
were killed or wounded. In these things the enemy, on 
account of their knowledge of the ground and having the 
sympathy of the inhabitants, who, by some means or other, 
always managed to notify them, escaped when we thought we 
had them bagged." ^ 

There are two other accounts of this affair, one written 
at the time by Chaplain Marks, the other by Robert D. McKee 
of Pittsburgh, in 1904. Mr. McKee, a private in Company D, 
related : 

"The 63rd was sent to the neighborhood of Pohick Church 
in the winter and spring of 1862 to do picket duty. The 
Church is on the Mt. Vernon road about nine miles from 

1 "Under the Red Patch;" P. 48. 



The 63rd Around Washington 191 



Alexandria, Va. Between this place and Occoquan Creek was 
neutral ground then, not occupied by either army, but was 
infested with bands of guerrillas who made a practice of 
ambushing scouting parties of Union soldiers and even senti- 
nels on picket. To break up this reprehensible and murderous 
warfare, scouting parties were sent out to be kept on this 
hitherto unoccupied ground ; not only to prevent such occur- 
rences but to capture the guerrillas. 

"On the night of March 5, 1862, a detachment of the 63rd 
Pennsylvania, under Lieut. -Colonel A. S. M. Morgan, of about 
100 men, returning from a successful expedition to this end, 
was ambushed near Pohick Church. Capt. Chapman, Lieut. 
Lysle and Sergeant Chalmers, who were in the lead, fell at 
the first fire. The first two were killed. Chalmers was desper- 
ately wounded. The detachment had almost reached their 
post. Private McKee, the nearest picket, hearing the firing, 
immediately turned out the guard. The woods, brush, thickets 
of pine and undergrowth were thoroughly searched but in the 
darkness the treacherous enemy, familiar with the grounds, 
easily eluded our men and escaped." ^ 

Chaplain Marks states : "We had heard through William- 
son, a scout, that there was a large party of Rebels who 
crossed the Occoquan nearly every morning, and took position 
on a ridge of hills in front of us. Here they remained during 
the day in observation. A plan was laid for their capture.. To 
efifect this. Colonel Hays selected about 50 men from dififerent 
companies, who were commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Morgan. 
The men left our picket line about 3 o'clock in the morning and 
passed through dark pine forests, beyond a farm house, on the 
way. When they had gone about half a mile from this house 
they came to the road which the enemy usually took from 
Occoquan. But they, for some unexplained reason, came up 
that morning by another way, and passed by our men almost 
within the touch of their hands ; but coming along a new path, 
there was felt some uncertainty in regard to who this strange 
company were. The impression of some of our officers was 
that is was a body of our own men out on scouting duty. 

"The enemy marched to the house, learned of our passing, 
and returned and laid an ambuscade for us. After remaining 
here nearly an hour, the colonel commanded the men to rise 
and march back to camp. They started to return and had 
advanced more than one-fourth of a mile when the click of 
guns in the heavy forest arrested the four or five in advance. 
They drew their pistols and peered into the darkness. Instantly 
the enemy fired, and Capt. Chapman, Lieut. Lysle and Moore, 
private in Company G, fell. Capt. Chapman and Lieut. Lysle 
died in a few moments, and Moore in less than a hour. 

1 "My High School Days," a brief history of the Pittsburgh 
Central High School, 1855-1871, by George T. Fleming. McKee was 
a graduate — class of 1860. 



192 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"Our men returned the fire and rushed into the forest and 
drove the foe before them. The enemy lost by our fire three 
men, and in this number, it was said, their celebrated leader, 
Burke, who had distinguished himself as a picket murderer." ^ 

General Hays refers again to the affair at Pohick Church 
in his letter of March 29. He was much incensed at certain 
reports circulated in Pittsburgh, and justly incensed. - 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Johnston, March loth, 1862. 
"My Dear Wife: 

"I know you have been anxiously expecting to hear from 
me since the disaster which befell my regiment. I might have 
assuaged flying with as much success as to attempt to write 
in the situation in which I have been placed for the last five 
days. You have heard of the tiger robbed of its whelps, and 
you can imagine what specie of tiger I represent. I have 
not scolded anyone. The fault is too egregious to be within 
my jurisdiction, and I am patiently awaiting the actions of 
higher authority. The reverse of any blame upon myself, I 
still fear that Morgan will have to suffer the consequences of 
investigation. Thirty or 40 Rebels, all permitted to pass our 
men in ambush, to conceal themselves in ambush against us, 
and three of us forfeit life. I can hear the expressed wish 
that 'the old man had been there,' but there is no evil from 
which some good cannot be extracted. The regiment is 
determined upon vengeance and confidence is stronger than 
ever that the colonel will be on hand next time. 

"The bodies were forwarded on the 7th to Pittsburgh. 
Before leaving all were borne to the church tent, and I never 
knew the doctor more eloquent. 'There was no dearth of 
woman's tears,' for dear little Mrs. Jameson was present and 
cried her eyes out. 

"Last evening at parade promotions were made to fill 
vacancies, ist Lieut. McClelland of Company E to be cap- 
tain Company K, 'for bravery and self-possession on the 
morning of March 5th, when a detachment of the 63rd Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers was waylaid by the Rebels,' vice Capt. 
Chapman, killed in action. 

"2nd Lieut. Bagaley, 'for uniform good conduct as an 
officer and a soldier,' to be first lieutenant Company K ; ist 
Sergeant Mowry, 'for his bravery and self-possession on the 

1 "The Peninsula Campaign In Virginia," Rev. J. J. Marks; 
PP. 81-82. "The History of the 63rd Regiment" mentions no loss 
of the enemy. 

2 Vide next Chapter, second letter. 



The 63rd Around Washington 193 

morning of the 5th of March, when a detachment of the 63r(i 
Pennsylvania Volunteers were waylaid by the Rebels,' to be 
second lieutenant of Company K. 

"I have several other promotions to make, but I thought 
the above was sufficient for one occasion. Ormsby is undoubt- 
edly cashiered, and his place will be supplied. I think Sergeant 
Gross will be made a lieutenant. I would like very much to 
favor your choice applicant for a commission, but my con- 
science will not allow me to do injustice to any brave man 
in the regiment. 

"There, I will write no more at present, but will write 
to your father tonight, and you again very shortly. 

"Mrs. Emerick ^ has gone to some house to board. I have 
not seen her for a week, and think she ought to go home. 

"My love to all the dear ones at home, and at 104, and 
take a full share to yourself for your kind solicitations, and 
remember that Hope and Faith work wonders. 

"Love to Margaret and George and to Katie. God bless 
you all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

"P. S. — 2nd Lieut. Haymaker ^ to be quartermaster, vice 
Lysle, killed in action." 

John McClelland did not succeed to the command of 
Company K, vice Chapman. The promotion was evidently 
reconsidered by the colonel. McClelland subsequently became 
captain of Company E. After the war he served as county 
commissioner of Allegheny County and died in office. W. 
Hays Brown, first lieutenant of Company K, procured a com- 
mission from Governor Curtin but died a short time afterwards 
and never commanded the company. The other promotions 
mentioned by the colonel were made. 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Johnston, March 15th, 1862. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I wrote to you yesterday by young Chapman, with a 
promise to write again if I possibly could, before we left for 

1 Mrs. Emerick, wife of Private John A. Emerick, who was 
wounded and died in Richmond, July 11, 1862. Emerick was a 
member of Company E. 

2 2nd Lieut. William N. Haymaker of Company A, father of 
Judge John S. Haymaker of Allegheny County, who was mustered 
out with the regiment as quartermaster at the expiration of its term. 



194 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

'Lower Dixie.' Since our retiring from the Occoquan we have 
been awaiting the signal to move. 

"We found today that there had been a failure somewhere 
to provide transportation, and 'in consequence we obtained 
this day's grace. 

"Richardson's brigade started yesterday, but were halted 
at Fort Lyon, where they are still remaining. It has poured 
down rain since yesterda3% and their condition is exceedingly 
disagreeable. Each man's tent is now an India rubber blanket, 
or rather two blankets constitute one tent. Our tents are 
still standing and afford comfortable shelter to the men, 
although I was requested to strike them and use the blankets. 
I will not move an inch until I am ordered, and sure of trans- 
portation. 

"Alexandria is thronged with artillery, dragoons and 
infantry — Sumner's division — until they are shipped we will 
be permitted to remain as we are. 

"What is to be our destination no one here knows. 
Nothing has transpired except the fact that a larger army goes 
southward. 

"Woe, woe to Dixie. How thankful I am that the 'havoc 
of war, and the war's desolation,' has been spared to our dear 
homes. It would turn my brain, ending in desperation, to see 
and know that my wife, children and friends were in the posi- 
tion of Rebel families. I have anticipated myself, the bitterest 
hostility to us, and I do not blame them. In spite of all efforts 
of officers, men will tresspass, and many officers are not gentle- 
men enough to remember that they ever had a home. For 
the 63rd I have nothing to complain, or heard any. The 
general admonition on all necessary occasions, 'remember, 
men, that you all have mothers, wives, daughters and sisters 
at home,' has so far been cheerfully obeyed. God help the 
violator so long as I command. 

"I will mention one occasion of exhibition of female senti- 
ment which occurred on our last visit to the Occoquan. It 
became necessary in extending my line of picquets, to occupy 
the premises of one 'Lady Lee.' I stationed there Major 
\\'aliace, with a number of men as a reserve. I have no officer 
more exacting in his discipline than the major, or more defer- 
ential to ladies. Lady Lee has a very sweet young lady 
daughter, about the age and size of Agnes. One morning it 
was discovered by them that some depredation and been com- 
mitted on an old chicken by a soldier. In the presence of our 
officers the sweet young lady expressed her sentiments, in a 
wish to her mother. 'Oh, mother, I wish I could murder every 
one of them,' which met with the old lady's approval — 
Herodias and her daughter! My dear girl, I expect to have 
my ears pulled by one of these 'secesh' ladies some of these 
days, but I will hold a husband or a big brother responsible. 



The 63rd Around Washington 195 

"You ought to see my house in camp and you would be 
moving if you were present. The rain has deluged me, and 
almost washed the house away. In anticipation of moving I 
permitted the covering to be loosened, and when the storm 
came I found it out. The two French bedsteads occupy the 
only dry spots, but, like Mark Tapley, 'that it is a circumstance 
under which it is creditable to be jolly.' The men at least 
are comfortable, and I can make myself so. 

" 'Dave' Shields paid me a visit today. He is a noble, 
independent boy, and as soon as 1 possibly can make him a 
lieutenant, I intend to do so on account of his own merit, but 
I do not wish his relatives to know anything of the matter. 

"Mansfield Brown has paid us several visits [not on my 
account], but to secure for his son appointments which are 
due to others. If he imagines his boy to be the most worthy 
of my interests he is egregiously mistaken. A decent respect 
for my noble Capt. Chapman would have dictated at least a 
delay for his funeral, before application was made for his 
vacant shoes. 

"Since the orders we have received to march, I have 
observed something wrong in our beloved chaplain, and have 
frequently expressed to my confidants that he intended to 
secesh.^ Today he requested me to afiford him an interview, 
and informed me he had a 'call.' That it was from no dis- 
satisfaction with the regiment, but that he had been called to 
transfer himself into some general hospital, located in some 
pleasant city, and that he was influenced moreover by the ill 
health of his wife, whom he could then have near him, and 
be permitted to 'smooth her pathway to the grave.' 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 



PROM COLONEL HAYS TO HIS WIFE 
[Original letter lost, presumably from Camp Johnston. Va.] 

"March i6th, 1862. 

"Again has notice come that the 63rd will be required to 
march tomorrow morning with six days' provision to — nobody 
knows where. This evening at parade as I looked along the 
line of my boys I felt very proud, and have never seen them 
look so well. This was our inspection day and I found the 
guns in most excellent condition, although I was obliged to 
preach a great deal on the subject of packing knapsacks. 

1 "Secesh" to secede or resign." The chaplain, however, did 
not go at that time, remaining in the service for a year afterwards. 



196 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



COLONEL HAYS TO HIS SISTER-IN-LAW, 
MISS RACHEL McFADDEN 

"Camp Johnston, Va., March i6th, 1862. 
"Dear Sister Rachel : ^ 

"I feel that it would be a sin and a shame if I did not 
write to you before the 63rd sailed for — I will tell you in my 
next letter, which is about as definite as I am able to deter- 
mine, our destination. 

"Sensitiveness of obligations is a peculiar phase of my 
eccentric character, whether I appear as debtor or creditor, 
but I cannot avoid the acknowledment of the indebtedness 
of myself and my regiment to you for your many evidences 
of kindness and attention. 

"The time is not yet come for a full development, but 
already, if you could witness as I have done, your good deeds 
made manifest, you would not slacken in your labors. We 
have no hospital now, as all of our sick have been sent, either 
to Philadelphia or Annapolis, in anticipation of our march. 

"By the kind thoughtfulness of yourself and your friends 
our hospital, while we had one, was rendered a paradise in 
contrast with those around us. Quiet, neatness, and abund- 
ance pervaded every part, and suffering humanity expressed 
to unknown benefactors, the thankfulness of grateful hearts. 
We were unfortunate in the physician assigned to us, and I 
fear he failed to acknowledge as he should have done, the 
indebtedness which I now acknowledge, and which you will 
please express to all who took an interest in the good cause. 

"From our present surgeon. Dr. Rodgers, I have the assur- 
ance that he has most abundant supplies to meet every 
ordinary case within his charge, but we may call upon you 
and your friends again hereafter. 

"Yours sincerely and gratefully, 

"Alexander Hays, 
"Col. 63rd Regt., Penna. Vols." 

"One slip more is wanting. Give my love to all, each and 
everyone at home. God bless them all. I love them very 
much. [I cannot review what is written.] 

"A. H." 

COLONEL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"March i6th, 1862. 
"Dear Wife : 

"This morning I find I will have time to say a little more 
in addition to the long four pages I have already written. It 
was my intention to have sent several letters along with yours, 

1 Miss Rachel McFadden of Pittsburgh, sister of Mrs. Annie 
McFadden Hays, well known as a member of the Pittsburgh Sani- 
tary Commission, and chairman of the Executive Committee of the 
Pittsburgh Sanitary Fair in 1864. 



The 63rd Around Washington 197 



but the four pages went beyond my endurance in a leaky 
house. Today is Sunday, and after inspection I will devote 
the greater portion of the day to writing. 

"There is nothing new this morning, and no prospect of 
leaving today. The morning has come with the promise of 
a beautiful day. 

"I will say no more now, but will be able to write you 
again from this camp. 

"God bless you all, and my love to our dear children, and 
to all at 104.^ As much love as a man can feel for a woman, 
take to yourself, for you have it always. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

COLONEL HAYS TO MISS RACHEL McFADDEN 

"March 17th, 1862. 
"Dear Rachel : 

"When I commenced to write last night I had no idea 
that the result of my labors would afford anything more than 
the accompanying hackneyed acknowledgment of 'woolen 
shirts for the destitute Hottentots,' although it was written 
from the dictates of my heart. There were other obligations 
I owe to you which I would acknowledge. Your kind care 
and devotion to my sisters and their children. Poor, dear Mag, 
she demands all the sympathy and love her relatives can 
command. Annie ought to be thankful in comparison. Take 
care of them all, and from time to time communicate with me 
and I will not fail to reciprocate. 

"I have not one doubt or distrust of results of the war, 
and its speedy termination, so far as present magnitude is 
concerned, but it will be a long time before we can sing of 
'gentle peace returning.' Of my own personal safety I never 
take account. With a full faith, peculiarly my own, I believe 
I have been and am reserved for something good, and with 
such a righteous cause as ours, who would hesitate and doubt? 

"I must write to your father, and if possible, to Rebecca 
Shields and Mrs. Chapman before I leave, besides you have 
had more than your share, and can imagine more, that I would 
express if time permitted. 

"Your affectionate brother, 

"Alex." 

"Love to mother, and if you are capable, express it fully." 

1 No. 104 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, John B. McFadden's resi- 
dence, i 



CHAPTER XII. 

LETTERS FROM THE FIELD 
THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN 

THE letters in this chapter need but little added to por- 
tray fully life at the front in an active and most notable 
campaign. They date from March i8, 1862, and Ser- 
geant McGranahan's, under date of June 28, 1862, is the last 
until the same officer finds time to write again for the colonel to 
Mrs. Hays from the "bivouac of the regiment, four miles from 
the James River," which letter is made the first of a new series 
in the next chapter, entitled "From Harrison's Landing to 
Second Bull Run." 

The love of family and home, and the little details of the 
home and the camp, all receive attention from the colonel's 
ready pen, and the handwriting of the letters, even in the 
hurly-burly of such a service, is marvelously neat and free 
from blots. They are graphic and interesting enough to speak 
for themselves in the main, with an occasional word of 
explanation and some footnotes. 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Alexandria, Va., March i8th, 1862. 
"Dear Sir: 

"Yesterday evening the 63rd embarked on board the 
'North America' and 'Champion,' for some destination 
unknown. Colonel Morgan ^ commands the 'Champion.' This 
morning I paid him a visit and found the boat so much over- 
loaded that I ordered it back to the dock. It is infamous, 
under the nose of General McClellan that our men's lives are 
imperiled by such inadequate transportation. 

"To an accident of a sinking ship, you are indebted for 
this epistle, a proof that there is nothing so bad but something 
good can originate from it. Another boat has been ordered 
up to take the place of the 'Champion' and I am awaiting her. 

"I have scarce seen the 63rd in such good condition 
[rubbing ofif the rust of the last six months], and what is 
much better, they are as subordinate and obedient as children. 

1 Lieut. -Colonel Morgan, 63rd Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

198 



The Peninsular Campaign 199 



Although they will occasionally break out, their march 
through Alexandria has been characterized and commented 
upon as a regiment which was either regular, or the best vol- 
unteer regiment that had passed through the town. I can 
give you no news. The town is filled with troops. Where 
they are going or what they are to effect, I am unable to say. 
Such enthusiasm I never dreamed of, excepting in reading the 
history of 'The Crusades.' 

'T am sorry to confess that the army looks with distrust 
upon the occasion of the evacuation of Manassas and its con- 
sequences. 

"The 63rd, the only regiment of our division which pene- 
trated so far towards and beyond the Rebel lines, has so far 
received no recognition from the powers that be. But we 
disregard them, as we have self-confidence that when the time 
comes we will be acknowledged by our friends as worthy of 
our reputation. 

"I must now go aboard the 'America,' and forget that I 
have a wife and children, but only for a little while. 

"My trunk went forward yesterday by Adams Express, 
directed to the address of Annie.^ One of the express agents 
who knew her sent the trunk before I saw him, but I suppose 
it will be all right. I have written this within sight of my 
boat, with a store box for my desk, and a pen which the 
patentee never intended would do half service. Love to all 
at home. Goodbye and God bless you all. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex Hays." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Hamilton, Near Fortress Monroe, 

"March 29th, 1862. 
"Dear Wife: 

"I am living in hopes that this day's mail will bring me 
letters from home. I have received nothing since leaving our 
old camp, now two weeks past. 

"Previous to starting I wrote several long letters, one to 
you, enclosing the key of the trunk, and another to Rachel, 
both of which I do hope reached their destination. I have 
written since and gave directions to have you direct as above. 

"I feel satisfied that you have not failed to write, and that 
there are letters in Alexandria. Our destination was unknown 
when we sailed down the Potomac, and I could then give no 
directions for the address of letters. I have since written and 
if no accident happened to my mail, I ought to have had 
returns at this place. We are expecting a paymaster almost 
daily, and we need one badly. When the last remittance was 

1 Annie — Mrs. Hays. 



200 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



made to you, it only left me $32.00, although I have got along 
on tick. Pay for two months is now due again. 

"In this letter I am writing to you on items, intending 
to accompanying it with one [nominally] to Agnes, descriptive 
of the last two weeks. 

"No sight could have been more imposing than that of 
the various fleets which transported us. 

"Marching from Fortress Monroe we passed through the 
famous village of Hampton, once the most beautiful watering 
place in Virginia, now a mass of charred ruins and towering 
chimneys. It is really a sorrowful picture of so many homes 
made desolate. We are now encamped about a mile in 
advance of the ruins. The country has been delightful, highly 
ornamented and cultivated. The weather has been fine until 
today, and now an unpleasant sleet is falling. 

"The health of all parties is excellent. I certainly never 
was in better care with the exception of a cold. 

"My military family consists of the same horses and 
colored individuals as )'ou know. We draw rations for all 
from the commissary, and have abundance. 

"When or how we move, no one pretends to know. 
Porter's division is 12 or 15 miles in advance of us, but you 
will hear of such things through the papers. Sam Black ^ is 
in advance, and Rowley and Rippey are somewheres in our 
neighborhood. 

"For fear that you might not have received your trunk, 
from loss of letter with key, I will repeat that it was shipped 
by Adams Express, directed simply to Mrs. Colonel Hays. 
I hope you will have no trouble with it. 

"I have with me my picture gallery, and nothing is more 
gratifying to me than to take a look at them. Your last is a 
decided addition, but I miss the face of dear little Jim.^ 

"March 30th. 

"After writing the above I received your two most wel- 
come letters, the last of the 25th, and if I could, that is, if it 
were possible, I would love you more than ever for your 
attention. 

"Nothing has transpired of interest except that sleet has 
turned to rain, and it is now pouring down, so that our mail 
will be unable to go today. 

"I am very comfortably situated, Morgan and I in our 
tent, with a good fire. The men are also comfortable in their 
little shelter tents, and merry as crickets. 

"Agnes will receive her letter tomorrow. No time to 
finish. <i\ TT M 

1 Samuel W. Black, Oliver H. Rippey and Thomas A. Rowley, 
colonels of the 62nd, 61st and 102nd Pennsylvania regiments, all 
of Pittsburgh, and all veterans of Mexico. 

2 The Hays baby — the general's youngest son. 




CAPT.MN'V*S*AKHY' 

B BEVET COLONEL *V^A" BRE'/ET'M.\)^r\-OENLKM 'V.)\'- 

ME\i CAN.'VVXR'i'Ai"'AlT^ nUhmik PAiai'^'' ■' i '•!}'' ' ' 

*" • YA'di QMq ' PE\C.M ORCHAB U- GIHN'DAID 
B%'Vfv.l.;oEj M4LVERK HIIL< (»-'' ''-U-C^^ 



lU 







•i- VI 




Memorial Tablet, Cullman Hall, West Point. 



The Peninsular Campaign 201 



"I am again summoned to act as the president of a general 
courtmartial to overhaul mauraders upon the citizens. There 
are 40 cases to be tried, and I am very proud to report, not a 
single case of them in the 63rd. If we bore as good a reputa- 
tion at home as we do in the service it would be our deserts, 
but we cannot expect it when dirty hounds repeat their false- 
hoods. 

"In answer to S. Hays,^ or anyone else, I will explain 
of Lysle and Chapman, and as I slept their last night with 
them I ought to know best. In the first place there was not 
any liquor within miles, in the second place I myself aroused 
the party at 3 o'clock in the morning, and gave them my usual 
injunctions of caution. The report given you of their condi- 
tion is not only false, but libelous to the dead, and a gross 
charge against myself. Sam Hays was not there and has not 
yet returned. I shall be sorry when he does, but I will call 
him to account and he must give his authority. 

"I have now written you your share but will send the other 
epistle in 'Agg's' - name, for the benefit of all. 

"Be of good cheer, and do not let your spirits droop 
because you may not hear from me as often as you desire. 

"Love to all at 104, and to each and every little one at 
home, with a kiss for each. God bless you all. 

" 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder.' 

"As much love to yourself as a man weighing 190 pounds 
can be imagined to entertain for a woman. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

"Klinefelter" has heard from his home. Danks is well, 
and Taylor is now restricted to camp, which you can state to 
Madame F. Everybody is well and in excellent spirits, only 
three sick. 

"A. H." 

Innuendo and surmise were common in the early days of 
the war, and Colonel Hays' indignation and vigorous resent- 
ment are most natural. 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Hamilton, Near Hampton, Va., April 3rd, 1862. 

"Dear Sir : 

"It gave me much pleasure to receive today a letter from 
you, and another from Annie. I was sorry to hear of the 

1 Samuel Hays — the colonel's nephew. 

2 "Agg" — Miss Agnes M. Hays, the general's oldest daughter. 

3 Klinefelter, Danks and Taylor — members of the 63rd Regi- 
ment. 



202 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

death of your old friend Dr. Addison.^ He will be missed 
amongst you, but most by his family. 

"It is now after 12 o'clock, and we have orders to march 
at 7 o'clock A. M. The papers, give you in advance of any- 
thing I can write, news of our operations, so that it is needless 
to take up space to mention them, even if we could more 
than surmise. In fact, we know nothing. You, at a distance, 
can know much better than we, who are at the cannon's 
mouth, what is going on. I only know that we move with 
daylight. 

"I would have given one of my horses to have afforded 
you an opportunity of witnessing what I have within the last 
two weeks. The dear people, with their millions per diem, 
have bred a monster. Every field and every avenue is thronged 
with soldiers, and every command is forward ! And such 
soldiers any country would be proud to own. All that is 
wanting is to try their mettle. 

"If God is on our side we cannot be beaten. As we close 
upon the enemy, every man becomes more and more a soldier. 
We have no citizens to embarrass us, and create another 
Bull Run. 

"General McClellan came up last night. I saw him at 
General Heintzelman's and would have called upon him, but 
he was too much engaged. We will meet upon our march. 

"The 63rd retains and maintains its good character. As 
an evidence we have the confidence of Heintzelman and 
Hamilton,- I believe without rivalry. General Hamilton is 
an old acquaintance, and I feel confident will make a good 
commander, as cool and imperturbable as marble. 

"I have been on another courtmartial for a week past, 
but take command of the regiment and call the court together, 
as opportunity affords. I never thought I was a Solomon, but 
I am the law-giver of the division. 

"I must really cease and take a nap. Poor Agnes will 
have to wait for her letter. I am endeavoring to find time to 
write her a long description of everything. You can tell her 
that I have received her letter enclosing a partridge, and an 
excellently executed bird it is. I have written a long letter 
to Annie. God bless her! She has no equal on earth. I have 
commanded her to remember she is a soldier's wife. Keep 
up her spirits, and hope for the best. 

1 Dr. William Addison who lived at 129 Penn Street, a few 
doors from the McFaddens, on opposite side of the street, one of 
the most prominent Pittsburgh physicians and a long-time friend 
of the McFadden family and Colonel Hays. 

2 Major-General Charles S. Hamilton of West Point class of 
1843, who commanded one division of Heintzelman's corps, and 
Fitz John Porter the other. 



The Peninsular Campaign 203 



"I have written at length but I wish to make an explana- 
tion, for I fear you all think I ought to write more frequently. 
The truth is that when not engaged and absorbed by active 
duties, my mind is so intensely bent on the future, that I lose 
control of everything except the forward ! 

"I will write as frequently as possible to Annie, at least, 
and will do my best for you. 

"Give my warmest regards to Uncle Thomas and his 
family. Why do you never mention him? Love to mother, 
Rachel, Margaret and all interested in 104 and Linton. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alexander Hays." 

"P. S. — A magnificent day and everybody elated with the 
forward movement." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Hamilton, Near Hampton, Va., April 3rd, 1862. 

"Dear Wife : 

"I received today a very welcome letter from you, mailed 
on the 31st of March, and also one from your father. 

"I am now giving you an evidence that you have the 
first place in my heart before all others, as I ought to write 
several letters, but for fear I am not able to carry out my 
good intentions, I write to you first, as you are and always 
have been to me, 'first in peace' and 'first in war.' If you have 
not heard from me as you say for two weeks, it is because 
letters which I sent you by private hands, to be mailed in 
Alexandria, were never mailed, and I regret it exceedingly. 
You must, however, keep up your spirits if you do not hear 
from me as often as you wish, and remember what I told you 
16 years ago — that you are a soldier's wife, and must bear 
yourself accordingly. 

"We have received orders to march tomorrow morning 
at 7 o'clock, to follow Porter's division. My courtmartial is 
suspended and I have been very much engaged in getting 
ready. As usual everybody pesters me with questions. I 
sometimes imagine that I am the principal of an infant school. 
instead of an infantry regiment. My officers will not learn 
to take responsibilities, but I ought not to complain for their 
dependence, I believe, arises from their entire confidence 
in me. 

"McGranahan ^ is now engaged in putting up two pictures 
of the 'field and stafif' of the 63rd. I am sorry to say they 
are so miserably taken, but it cannot be helped now. We 
could obtain only a few. My position is not very classic, but 

1 William McGranahan, "Billy," then sergeant-major of the 
63rd Regiment and later adjutant and killed at Chancellorsville. 



204 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



it is a very natural one of mine, and I always wish to be 
taken as I am. Let me have your candid opinion of 'the group.' 
Did you receive the key of the trunk? 

"When you write you need make no excuses of 'want of 
news.' It is enough to hear of you and our loved ones. 
Linton ^ is now a point of more interest to me than any other 
spot on earth, and the smallest tattle about it is better than 
foreign news. 

"I wish in my heart you could have witnessed 'the pomp, 
pride and circumstances of glorious war,' transpiring here for 
the past two weeks. Such an army and its accompaniments 
are grand and sublimely so. Drill and discipline have done 
wonders, and raw material has taken regular shape. God is 
certainly on our side, and with Him we cannot be beaten. I 
never was so proud of my country and countrymen. 

"Dear wife, I must write to others a few lines. I do not 
intend to sleep much, as it is now almost 12 o'clock. I have 
my teapot alongside or I would not be able to keep awake. 

"God bless you all. A thousand loves for Agnes, Alden, 
Rachel, Gilbert, Alfred and last, but not least, dear little 
'Jim.' 2 Love to mother. Aunt Rachel and 'Mag.' Kind remem- 
brances to all friends. To yourself I have always been making 
love until it has become a part of my being, and now, dear 
girl, I again command you to be of good heart. 

3 "Heaven will shield thy faithful lover, 
'Till the vengeful strife is over. 
Then we'll meet, no more to sever, 
'Till the day we die, lassie." 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

"4 O'clock. Reveille, April 4th. 

"The camp is all alive. The men eager and anxious to 
advance. I feel the influence myself, and never enjoyed better 
health. 

"I send you a peach bloom from the gardens of the ruined 
village of Hampton. 

"Again, God bless you all at home. u * xj " 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Union Camp, Near Yorktown, Va., April r)th, 1862. 
"Dear Wife: 

"We arrived here j^esterday and are now encamped about 
a mile and a half from Yorktown, and within a mile of the 

1 Linton, the Hays' home, on the hill opposite Sharpsburg, on 
the Morningside Road, now called Morningside Avenue, in Pitts- 
burgh. 

2 The colonel's children. 

3 Quotation not found. 



The Peninsular Campaign 205 



advanced batteries of the Rebels. Yesterday one of our bat- 
teries played ball with one of theirs nearly all day without 
any particular marked result. Five or six horses and two or 
three men were killed on our part. What the enemy suffered 
we have not learned. Our position is concealed by dense 
woods, which protects us from their fire. Several shot and 
shells have been thrown at us at random, but none of our 
brigade have been injured. 

"Today I witnessed one of their attempts. Our men are 
filled with curiosity, which is very difficult to restrain. A 
group had gathered upon an eminence, in full view of the 
enemy, who waiting until at least 50 were gathered together, 
let fly a rifle shell, which passed directly through the crowd, 
killing one, wounding another. 

"About noon we heard upon our left heavy musketry, 
which probably came from General Sykes' ^ regulars, who had 
turned the rear of one of the enemy's field works. The 
skirmish was distinctly visible from our picquet lines, and 
the enemy's consternation was very considerable. Our balloon 
has been floating in the sky all day, and already I believe 
our general knows all about their positions. 

"Numbers of gunboats are in the river, and within a few 
days Yorktown will be completely invested. Our heavy guns 
are arriving, and the music in the grand dance may be opened 
in the morning. 

"It is surprising how many works the enemy have erected 
between this point and the fortress, and then, after all their 
labor, retired and gave us undisputed possession. No outsider 
can estimate the force or positions of our army. I believe it 
is not the design of General Mc. to assault the city, but to 
carry it by regular approaches. But we will see. The progress 
of the attack will be awfully grand, but you shall hear of it. 

"I never enjoyed better health, or enjoyed better spirits. 
I can now write more collectively since it has come to the 
pinch. We are living like fighting cocks — for breakfast, in 
addition to army rations, our mess had a quarter of fine young 
pork, and through the day a quarter of veal, and a secesh 
turkey. 

"Dismal discord just now reigns in camp, and is spreading 
over the plains for miles around. A young mule has awakened 
from his evening nap and expressed his disgust for the service 
by an unearthly bray, which is taken up and re-echoed by 
5,000 of his fellow beings, until one believes that all the asses 
in Christendom are here. 

"I have a drawing of the steamer 'Monitor,' sketched for 
me by a New York artist, who has attached himself to my 
staff, which I will send with this if I can. U. S. Grant's 
picture is received and creates much interest. 

1 Later Mftjor-General George Sykes of West Point class 1842, 
then commanding the regular brigade in Porter's division. 



206 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"Now, dear wife, I believe I have discharged my duty 
for this night. I will crawl under my shelter tent, and sleep 
soundly until morning, provided the enemy throws no shells 
amongst us. 

"Will Hays Brown is here with his commission from 
Curtin as captain in the 63rd, but there is no vacancy and I 
cannot do injustice to a worthy man by creating one for any- 
body's especial benefit. 

"Now, then, God bless you all, and be of good cheer and 
faith as I am. A faith that I will be reserved for a good pur- 
pose, in God's providence. Kisses all around. I had the 
family out on review today on the lid of a box. Good night ! 

"Yours forever, 

"Alex." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp. Near Yorktown, Va., April loth, 1862. 

"Dear Wife: 

"It was my intention, although tired and wanting sleep, 
to have written you a long letter. Yesterday I took my regi- 
ment on a reconnaissance. It rained all day upon us, and the 
road was terrible. After some hours' march we came upon 
a breastwork of the enemy, when we were fired upon, and 
Sergeant Irwin ^ of Clarion was killed. That was our only 
casualty. Our orders were not to fire, notwithstanding which 
our skirmishers gave them a few rounds, with good eflfect. 
The 63rd gave proof that it can be relied upon. We returned 
to camp thoroughly drenched. At 12 o'clock last night I was 
ordered to turn out the regiment again to meet a reported 
advance of the Rebels. It was still raining, and the regiment 
lay on its arms all night. This morning we moved camp to 
a more secure and pleasant location. You can imagine me 
tired. 

"A few minutes ago I received another order to turn the 
regiment out again and march to the line of picquets, to spend 
another night in watching and waiting. The night is fine, 
with a bright moon overhead. I steal the few minutes in which 
my men are getting ready to write what I have written. 

"All are in good health and spirits. I myself never was 
better. Be of good cheer and await patiently for news 
from us. 

"God bless you all, and love to all our dear people at 
home. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

I David Irwin, sergeant of Company F. 



The Peninsular Campaign 207 

OFFICIAL REPORT OF COLONEL ALEXANDER HAYS 

Of the engagement at Peach Orchard and VVynn's Mills, 
Colonel Hays made the following report : 

"Camp Harper, Near Yorktown, Va., 
"First Brigade. Hamilton's Division, 

"April I2th, 1862. 
"Capt. R. M. Sawyer, 

"Assist. Adj't General: 

"Sir: — ^^For the information of the brigadier-general com- 
manding the division, I have the honor to submit the following 
statement of the operations of the 63rd Regiment, Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers : 

"The regiment, numbering for duty, 850 men, was detailed 
on the evening of the loth inst., for picquet duty, along the 
lines of the fortifications, guarding the approaches to York- 
town. 

"The night was passed without any material demonstra- 
tion from either side. On the nth inst., however, an attack 
was made by the Rebels upon our advanced picquets, from a 
rifle pit opposite the centre of our line. The line was very 
judiciously retired into the woods, of which the enemy, taking 
advantage, left their cover and advanced. Our men at once 
drove them back, with what result upon their side I am unable 
to say, but with a loss on our part of Private Crow, of 
Company K, killed. 

"About 3 o'clock P. M. another attack was made upon the 
centre of the left wing, directly opposite the extreme work of 
the enemy, on the right. They were three times repulsed, 
but succeeded in firing a farm house, barn and outhouses, lying 
between the two lines. The enemy's loss is certainly severe 
at this point. I am happy to report that not one of ours was 
even wounded. After their repulse I became satisfied from 
their movements that they designed making another attack 
upon our right. Brigadier-General Jameson coming up with 
the remaining regiments of his brigade, I communicated to 
him my opinion, when he immediately ordered the 57th Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers to the support of our right wing 
commanded by Lieut. -Colonel Morgan. Very soon my opinion 
was confirmed, by firing, the 57th was rapidly deployed into 
the woods, and supporting the picquet line, opposite the fort, 
on our extreme right, the firing became successive and 
effectual. 

"The picquet line at this point is about 1,500 yards from 
the [Rebel] fortifications, and midway between a line of rifle 
pits have been dug, from which our men continually annoyed 
the enemy. The enemy deployed a strong force from their 
work, which drove our riflemen from the pits, and enabled 
them to advance to our lines, burning a house and other build- 
ings. They were soon repulsed, with what loss I am endeavor- 



208 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

ing to ascertain. On our side the loss was only one killed — 
Private Joseph Thompson, Company A — and two privates 
wounded. 

"I regret the length of this communication, but cannot 
omit to testify to the gallant bearing of my brother-in-arms, 
Charles Campbell, and the steadiness and discipline of his 
regiment — the 57th Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

"My own officers and men have justified my most san- 
guine anticipations. Lieut. -Colonel Morgan, Adjutant Corts, 
Capts. Kirkwood, Hanna and McClelland demand especial 
notice, 

"Respectfully submitted, 

"Alexander Hays, 
"Col. 63rd Regt., Pa. Vols." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Winfield Scott, Near Yorktown, Va., 

"April i8th, 1862. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I was rejoiced this morning to receive yours of the 13th, 
and also your father's of the 15th. I write with much difficulty, 
but conclude it must be done, even at the expense of eyesight. 
For several days I have suffered from neuralgia in one of my 
eyes, which has been aggravated by incessant exposure to 
the sun's rays and sleepless nights, and the smoke of our camp 
fires. The quinine is having a good effect, and the sight is 
much better. Today I obtained a good long sleep. My duties 
are almost continuous, as I am required to act as 'division 
officer of the day,' which is only discharged by brigadier- 
generals, and the ranking colonels in the division. The duties 
are a general supervision and especial charge of the picquet 
lines. I came ofT duty yesterday at dark, and Jameson goes 
on tomorrow. Last night we were all aroused by hearing 
firing, and in five minutes we were under arms, awaiting 
orders, but none came. Again we were awakened by another 
alarm, but I forbade the captains to turn out the men, as I 
was unwilling to worry them, believing the alarm false, which 
proved to be the case. You will see from this that even our 
fears here are not always realized. 

"You no doubt have received the garbled newspaper 
accounts of our skirmish on the nth inst., but McGranahan 
informs me he wrote an account on which you can rely. I 
was fortunately present at the opening, and directed the close. 
The 63rd stood nobly to the work, although as usual, insidious 
hounds, jealous of its reputation, have attempted to asperse 
a few of its members. There exists not the slightest shadow 
of a doubt of its commander, in whom, I suppose, you take 
the greatest interest. 

"I believe it is not the intention of General McC. 
[McClellan] to sacrifice life, but to conquer the enemy by 



The Peninsular Campaign 209 

regular approaches. I enclose a request from him, which will 
satisfy the enquirers that he and I are on speaking terms again. 

"McGranahan sent you the 'Monitor' in return for the 
pictures. George's and Syd's ^ are perfect, as also that full- 
length one of you. 

"I must now close yours and write to your father a short 
note. Remain, as I have ordered you, as cheerful and hopeful 
as I am, and all will be well. Love to all, whom you know I 
love, and God bless you all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

"8 o'clock A. M., 19th April. 

"I have but little more to say, or rather no time to say 
it, but I have a little 'episode,' [as Artemus Ward calls it], 
for the children. 

"In the woods in which our camp is situated, there are 
many squirrels and the soldiers have secured numbers of 
young ones for pets. Yesterday evening there were numbers 
of grey and flying ones upon the tall trees over our heads. 
They would not come down to be caught, and my boys became 
impatient, so a climbing club was organized, and very soon 
a dozen or more active fellows were up among the squirrels. 
Such antics or a more laughable affair I never witnessed. I 
looked until my eyes gave out, and laughed until my sides 
ached. 

"Numbers of captures were made. Nobody hurt, and 
everybody much amused. 

"A. H." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO JOHN B. McPADDEN 

"Camp Winfield Scott, Near Yorktown, Va., 

April i8th, 1862. 
"Dear Sir: 

"You will, I know, excuse me, for the long and welcome 
letter which I received from you tonight, deserves a longer 
letter than I can possibly write tonight. 

"Annie's letter will explain my disabled condition as far 
as my eyes was concerned, but I have another reason — for 
rest — which I did not communicate to her. We have just 
received orders to have our brigade under arms an hour before 
daylight. How far the order is given besides, or what is 
expected of us, I do not know. 

"Our camp has been moved back from the enemy's lines, 
beyond the reach of his guns, and we are concealed in a dense 
growth of timber. 

1 "George and Syd," George W. Murphy and his son Sydney, 
the brother-in-law and nephew of Mrs. Hays. 



210 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"Preparations are making for a regular siege, I believe. 
If we are not ordered out of camp I will add to this in time 
for the mail. 

"Kind regards to all friends, and love to all at home. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alexander Hays." 

"April 19th, 7 A. M. 

"After writing I found the turnout of the brigade only a 
precaution against surprise. At 3 o'clock we were under arms, 
every man took his early cofifee, with songs and jokes, 
although not one among them knew, but anticipated that each 
succeeding moment would bring the order of 'On to Rich- 
mond.' Instead, however, an order came to go to work upon 
our fortifications, when, with the same alacrity and spirit each 
man laid aside his arms and took up the entrenching tools. 

"I must write no more, or I will be late for the mail today. 

"Again, love to all. "Yours 

"A. H." 

"P. S. — We have received no pay for three months, but 
expect the paymaster daily.'' 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Winfield Scott, Near Yorktown, Va., 

April 22nd, 1862. 
^'Dear Sir : 

"It is again my detail as 'division officer of the day.' The 
-duties are multifarious, among them the charge and super- 
vision of our picquets. I have just returned to camp from my 
morning tour. Each morning at 4 o'clock reliefs are marched 
from camp to take the place of troops which have been on 
duty for the preceding 24 hours. I arose this morning at 3 
o'clock, and will have to be on the go until tomorrow. 

"Each division guards its own front. The 63rd is out in 
full strength, under command of Major Wallace, though the 
men know that somebody else is on hand. Colonel jNIorgan 
has been detailed for duty in the engineer corps constructing 
roads from the river to transport our heavy guns to the bat- 
teries. It would be a sight worth seeing — the immense 
armament which is being l^rought against devoted Yorktown. 
Every contrivance for carrying on a regular siege is in active 
preparation. Already we have constructed and mounted sev- 
eral works, and before long you will hear the thunder of our 
guns all over the Union. We have no distrust of George's '• 
ability to carry us through, and I hope he will not be embar- 
rassed by any political scheme until he has had a trial. He 
has more at stake than any other person. 

1 General McClellan. 



The Peninsular Campaign 211 

"For a few nights past the Rebels appear to have changed 
their tactics, and do not now annoy our picquets, as formerly. 
No doubt they have discovered that two parties can play at 
the same game, for certainly we have killed ten to one in our 
various skirmishes. 

"No visitors [citizens], are allowed beyond Fortress 
Monroe, and no kind of goods, except army stores, are per- 
mitted to land. 

"It is near lo o'clock A. M., at which time the mail closes, 
and I must mount 'Dan' and be off to the picquets. 

"Assure all interested that I never enjoyed better health, 
and felt more sanguine of the future. 

"Tomorrow's mail will take a letter to Annie and Rachel, 
or to one of them, at least. Give my love to all at home. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alexander Hays." 

"P. S. — Will you enclose a few postage stamps, instead 
of blank paper, as in your last two?'' 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Winfield Scott, Near Yorktown, Va., 

April 23rd, 1862. 
"Dear Wife: 

"I wrote to your father yesterday, under the belief that 
I would find time to write to you and Rachel a letter each 
by this day's mail. It was quite late when I was relieved 
from picquet this morning, and I have very little time left 
before the mail departs, so Rachel must wait, and you be 
satisfied with this, whatever it may be. 

"We had a pleasant time on our tour, as the weather was 
pleasant and the Rebels disposed to be amicable. A few shots 
at each other from both parties, early in the day, no doubt to 
intimate to each other that they were there, was all that was 
done. Nobody was hurt. Corts and I bivouacked most 
romantically beneath a clump of holly trees, and ate and slept 
to our satisfaction, George being the ministering spirit, in 
the victualling line. A sentinel guarded us, night and day to 
give intimation of anything unusual. 

"We have all returned to camp well and hearty. Around 
us immediately and in the far distance at short intervals, is 
heard the roar of big guns, but nobody pays attention to them, 
unless a new one opens fire, for the boys have learned to 
distinguish each gun by its voice. 

"Everything is in active preparation, and every man is 
busy in some capacity, and I assure you, my dear wife, I have 
to snatch the short intervals I find leisure to write to you and 
others, but I will still find some time, and you will hear as 
often as possible. 



212 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"Say that Capt. McHenry ^ will prove that he is the 
author of 'All Quiet Along the Potomac Tonight.' Our own 
special artist is now engaged in its illustration, which will 
soon be issued, under McHenry's name. Have you received 
and how did you like 'The Monitor?' 

"I suppose you will be expecting a little sentiment from 
me, as usual. VVell, I love all my dear friends, wife and chil- 
dren, but most of all I love my wife. I propose writing out 
a list of my loves, arranged according to degree. Your name 
will be first on the list, with a long interval before any other 
can come in. God bless you all. Kisses to all the babies. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Winfield Scott, Near Yorktown, Va., 

April 27th [Sunday], 1862. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I have not heard from home for many days, although 
I know some one has written. I have not written myself as 
often as I desire, for the very good reason that I was for- 
bidden by Dr. Rodgers, on account of my eye. After the 
neuralgia pains the eye became much inflamed, and the vision 
entirely obscured. Exposed as I was to wet, damp and cold 
night and day, I almost despaired of its recovery, but I am 
pleased to report that it is all coming around right again. 

"My regiment, when not required for picquet duty, is 
almost constantly at work in the trenches. Morgan and 
Wallace attend to this department, while my duty is exclu- 
sively military — supervising in my turn everything in the 
division. 

"Every sixth day I spend my time along the line of 
picquets. 'Dan' is always saddled and bridled for 24 hours. 
If anything unusual transpires at any time, on any part of 
our lines, 'spite of wind and weather,' I must be there, as fast 
as he can carry me. 

"The siege of Yorktown, notwithstanding the illustrated 
newspapers to the contrary, has not yet commenced. We are 
constructing numerous works, which are to be mounted with 
artillery of the heaviest metal. 

"Innumerable pieces of all descriptions of guns can be 
seen on every road, or already in place. When we do open 
our batteries it will be a terrible storm for the Rebel army. 

"The State of Pennsylvania has two fine steamboats a 
few miles distant, supplied with surgeons and nurses and 
every necessary which events to come demand. It has created 

1 Colonel Hays here bears witness to the fact that Capt. Mc- 
Henry of Company G, 63rd Regiment, was the author of the poem — 
"All Quiet Along the Potomac Tonight," as he verily believed. 



The Peninsular Campaign 213 

some comment that the attendants and nurses, Sisters of 
Mercy, are all Catholics. It makes no difference to me. Pol- 
lard Morgan is applying to come on. 

"Notwithstanding the disagreeable weather and the labor 
which the men are required to perform, they retain their good 
spirits, and enjoy good health generally. 

"I do not know that there is anything more than I have 
written, which will interest you at present. All your personal 
acquaintances are well. I have caused two large log houses 
to be erected, and such sick as we have are very comfortable, 
independent of general headquarters. 

"To those who have friends here say that the state has 
made arrangements to take care of the wounded. The killed 
will be embalmed and sent to friends. Say to Sewickley that 
'Dave' [Shields] is well and hearty, and to Rachel and 
Rebecca^^ to hold themselves in readiness to march at a 
moment's notice. 

"When you have given my love to all at home, do not 
forget to give my remembrance to David and Margaret. I 
think of them often. 

■•Tell David that I will bring Henry - home for an assist- 
ant. Since I first saw a black skin, I have never seen Henry's 
equal. He bosses George, takes care of the horses and admin- 
isters to my comfort in all possible ways, and only two months 
ago he was a slave. 

"God bless you all. Love to little ones by name, to 
mother, Rachel, and all at 104 and its branches. We have 
no acknowledgment of the receipt of Will McGranahan's 
letter, and the Monitor. I expect letters today, and will write 
as frequently as possible. u^^^^^ \,nsh2.nd, 

"Alex." 
"P- S.— This blank is filled with love and affection for 
yourself, expressed so often in my life, that you need only 
shut your eyes and imagine I am with you, telling old tales." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 
"Camp Winfield Scott, Near Yorktown, Va., 
"Dear Wife: ^^^^ ^rd [Saturday], 1862. 

"Received yesterday two letters from you and two from 
your father, one of yours dated the 23rd, the other 27th of 
April. Your father's last, April 29th. Generally letters from 
home come promptly. Letters going from the army are 
without doubt detained at Fortress Monroe a day or two as 
a precaution against contraband news. 

"Since I last wrote nothing unusual has transpired along 
our lines. Our works of attack are progressing steadily, and 

1 Rachel McFadden and Rebecca Shields. 

2 Henry Stafford, a faithful servant, mentioned later. 



214 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



it would surprise a looker-on [if anyone was permitted to 
look on], to see the amount of work done by our men in a 
short time. Day by day the firing from both sides increases, 
and soon it will be one continuous war. In all directions now 
at short intervals we hear the crack of cannon and bursting 
of shells. So accustomed, however, have all became to such 
affairs that no notice is taken of them, unless a shell happens 
to drop in immediate proximity. Day before yesterday I was 
again division officer of the day. When visiting for a time, 
about 8 o'clock P. AI., the reserves placed near the trenches, 
the enemy opened a brisk fire of shells. Some of the men 
were asleep, and one I know was snoring. A shell burst 
within loo feet from where Colonel Lansing ^ and myself were 
standing, but it failed to awaken the sleepers, or disturb the 
snorer. Our duties occupy all our time, and what spare time 
we have is often employed in making up for lost sleep and 
food. 

"We have daily wondrous rumors, as you also have at 
home, but we credit nothing until confirmation comes, and 
that is the course you ought to pursue. Be satisfied that all 
is right until you hear. Bad news travels fast enough and 
our worst fears are rarely realized, any more than our happiest 
anticipations. 

"General Jameson informs me that madam [Mrs. J.] is 
in Bath, Me. The general is well and says to tell Rachel 
that he sleeps in her cap every night. General Hamilton has 
been relieved, and General Kearney takes his place. Cause, 
can't tell. ^ 

"Everybody is well, and all send their regards. My 

health never was better, although I still want more light in 

my right eye. It will all, however, be well in a few days. 

. "My love to all. I will try to write again tomorrow. God 

bless you all. ^^r 

^ \ours, 

"Alex." 
ALEXANDER HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp W^infield Scott, Near Yorktown, V^a., 

May 3rd, 1862. 
"I am much obliged for several favors, the latest April 
29th. I have not yet received the tobacco, which will be very 
acceptable, although I have received the receipt from Dr. 
Race. Capt. Brown is assigned to his company, although he 
is still in the hospital. 

1 Colonel Lansing of the 17th New York. 

2 Major General Charles S. Hamilton of Wisconsin, a graduate 
of West Point in 1843, three years a schoolmate of Alexander Hays. 
General Hamilton was transferred to the Army of the Mississippi, 
and later to the Army of the Tennessee. 



The Peninsular Campaign 215 



"You shall have my opinion, of all our military men. I 
have the reputation of speaking too plainly, which I cannot 
avoid, if I speak at all. I have opinions, which I never have 
expressed. 

"The siege is progressing steadily, but surely, I think and 
believe. All have confidence in 'Our General' [McClellan], 
and I believe we have his. 

"This is no time to find fault with any one's course, here, 
before the enemy. 

"We eat, drink and sleep to the music of bursting shells 
and shot. 

"The machinery which is being brought to bear upon 
Yorktown must be irresistible and the conflict may be desper- 
ate, but it will also be brief. 

"Now, when I am endeavoring to write, I am requested 
by the general to locate a new road, upon which to conduct 
our regiments to the trenches. Requests here are as good as 
orders, and I must go, but will write tomorrow [Sunday], if 
possible. 

"I have enough clothes to serve me until we reach York- 
town, though my fine feathers and tinsel have lost all of the 
wave and glitter. I am recognized as rough, but ready. Now, 
our batteries are pouring volleys at the enemy, who return 
it briskly, but that is all in fun. 

"Say I will write to Uncle Thomas ^ very soon. I believe 
I will recommend to General Curtin, 'Dave' Shields for a lieu- 
tenancy. 

"Love to all, 104 and its branches. Kind regards to 
friends, and tell them the 63rd is worthy of confidence. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"A. Hays." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Williamsburg, Va., May 9th, 1862. 

"Anniversary of Resaca de la Palma. 
"Dear Wife : 

"In anticipation of another 'forward to Richmond,' this 
morning, I will steal from the night's unrest to again assure 
you of my health and safety. It it now 2 o'clock A. M. The 
paymaster has only concluded the payment of the regiment, 
and I have received my portion, of which I transmit to you 
by draft on New York four hundred dollars [$400], with a 
hope that it will reach you in season for your present neces- 
sities. 

"I can spare no time for particulars of the last few days. 
Corts has been amusing himself for a day or two reading old 
love letters, found abandoned by the enemy. I will send a 
couple of specimens in another envelope, which I refer to 

1 Thomas McFadden, brother of John B. McFadden. 



216 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



Rachel and Rebecca Shields for their opinions. I regard the 
epistles as perfect bricks. I send two Confederate postage 
stamps, and have a thousand other trophies which I cannot 
send. 

" 'Dave' Shields is well, and I suppose has written home, 
as I ordered him to do so yesterday. Everything is promising 
a speedy restoration of peace, and everybody else is well, in 
health and spirits. 

"I have enough material for many long letters, but not 
now. Love to and God bless you all at home. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

,,„ „. "Williamsburg, Va., May oth, 1862. 

Dear Sir: b > j y > 

"I have written to Annie this morning enclosing a draft 
on New York, payable to her order. The draft [on the U. S. 
Treasury], is drawn by Major John W. Newell, paymaster, 
U. S. A. The amount is four hundred dollars [$400] . 

"I have no time to write, as I march in half an hour. I 
have been up all night and it is now 9:30 o'clock A. M. 
Troops are pouring forward. Our regiment was intended for 
the hottest of the battle, of the 5th,^ but by some gross blunder 
of somebody we were thrown against an impenetrable morass. 

" 'There is a Divinity which shapes our ends,' and all is 
for the best. Encourage all at home to be hopeful, as I am, 
and all will be well. Particulars as soon as possible. 

"God bless you all, and my love to all. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alexander Hays." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Bivouac, 40 Miles From Richmond, May nth, 1862. 
"Dear Annie : 

"I take the chance that this note will reach you, although 
I know not how. I never enjoyed better health or spirits, 
and am as hopeful as a bridegroom. In opening my portfolio 
to get this paper your dear picture loomed up first. I have 
looked at it with great pleasure, and it appears prettier than 
you did 16 years ago. 

"It will be but a short time until the army reaches Rich- 
mond, where we will without doubt be permitted to rest for 
a time. Our troops are sweeping the Rebels before them 
everywhere, and there can be no doubt of a speedy termination 
of the war. 

"God bless you, and love to all. Our mail has just arrived 
and I will hold on. A very large mail, letters for everybody 

1 The battle of Williamsburg in which Helntzelman's corps, the 
Third, was most actively engaged. 



The Peninsular Campaign 217 



except me. No letter for me ! But the mail is accompanied 
with the glorious news of the end of the Merrimac. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Bivouac, 40 Miles From Richmond, May nth, 1862. 
''Dear Sir : 

"Knapsacks are slung, and we only await the order of 'On 
to Richmond.' The accounts of the battle near Williamsburg 
have been published, and you know more of that affair than 
I do, for I know nothing, excepting that the loss on both sides 
was fearful. The 63rd was not engaged, but it is now admitted 
that a demonstration made by ours and two Maine regiments, 
and the Sixth Cavalry, upon the left wing of the enemy, 
decided the day, although we did not lose a man. How this 
letter is to reach you I cannot say, but intrust it to chance. 

"From Williamsburg I sent Annie a draft on New York 
for $400, drawn on the Treasury by Major J. W. Newell, pay- 
master, and hope it will arrive safely. I am writing on an 
old log with a pen which has seen its best days, with a bottle 
of borrowed ink. I say this in explanation, as the writing 
would be unexplainable. 

"I will now also intrust you with a secret, the announce- 
ment of which at home would only cause anxiety, without 
alleviation to me. It is that in all probability I will lose the 
sight of my right eye from neuralgia. The other eye is as 
bright as ever, and for my general health, it never was better. 
I sufifer no pain, and do not miss my sight, as evidence I have 
not lost an hour from duty, and today am ofificer of the day for 
the division. I have two excellent, faithful and devoted serv- 
ants — Henry, my contraband, weighs 200, and is worth $10 
per pound. The horses are in splendid care, and I am backed 
by 1,000 men who will not fail me in the hour of need. The 
colonel and regiment have the entire confidence of our gen- 
erals, and stand A No. i, in Kearney's estimation. By the 
way, Kearney is a trump. 

"1 have a thousand matters to talk over with you when 
we meet again. Now is not a time to criticize. 

"I write also to Annie, a note, that she may be satisfied 
I am well. 

"God bless you all at home, and give my love around. 

"I will write whenever opportunity offers. The bugles 
are sounding the advance, and 'Leet Shields' ^ and I must 
break for the head of the column, both in good spirits, and 
one of us is very hopeful. 

"Yours sincerelv, 

' "A. H." 

1 "Leet Shields," one of the colonel's horses. 



218 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



ALEXANDER HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Bivouac, Near West Point, Va., May 12th, 1862. 
"Dear Sir: 

"Our progress has been slow since I last wrote. The 
anaconda, if strong, takes it deliberately, perhaps all for the 
best. As usual rumors are rife, but for my own part I confess 
that I know nothing of future movements, in fact, I do not 
trouble myself about them. I never go beyond my own regi- 
ment, except on duty, having quite enough to engage my time 
watching after its immediate interests. Within the last few 
days the general health and condition has improved, numbers 
left behind in hospital have joined for duty. In connection 
with hospitals I will reply to enquiries made of James A. 
McFadden.^ He is steward of the 6ist, and by his correct 
deportment and attention to his duties, has gained the regard 
of everyone. If it was not for his want of a diploma I think 
there would be no difficulty in obtaining for him a medical 
commission, for his skill is universally admitted. 

"We are still distant from Richmond, and may approach 
it by ways unknown to your correspondent, and no doubt will 
meet with a determined resistance. We are, however, sanguine 
and our troops much enspirited, while the enemy are disor- 
ganized more or less by defeat. The morale of their army 
is good. 

"We occasionally obtain a stray newspaper to give us 
inklings of what is transpiring in the world behind us. I read 
this morning the Philadelphia Inquirer of the loth. Taking 
our operations in all sections of the country into consideration, 
I cannot doubt that 'the monster rebellion,' will be soon 
crushed, although the seeds will require a large army for some 
time to prevent sprouting. This only, provided we meet with 
no reverses. 

"My health is excellent and I am much pleased to say 
that my eye is much improved in light. I hope soon all will 
be well. I must ask you to enclose me a few more postage 
stamps, as all we have are expended, and none to be had here. 

"Has Annie's draft, drawn by Major Newell on New York 
[$400], been received? 

"You must be satisfied with brief letters until we reach 
Richmond, I will endeavor to enclose a note to Annie in the 
morning. 

"Regards to all friends, and love to all at home. 

"Yours sincerely. 

"Alex Hays." 

1 Dr. James A. McFadden was commissioned assistant surgeon 
of the 61st Regiment from March 13, 1863, and served until Sep- 
tember 7, 1864, the expiration of his three years' service. 



The Peninsular Campaign 219 



ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Cumberland Landing, Va., York River, 
30 Miles From Richmond, May i8th, 1862. 

"i\Iy Dear Wife: 

"I have just now^ read your letter for the tenth time, I 
believe. It only arrived day before yesterday, and I delayed 
to write, expecting another, or other letters, acknowledging 
the receipt of the draft sent to you — $400. I earnestly hope 
I will receive satisfaction tomorrow. Morgan has received 
letters every day almost, but none for me. 

"If the people would let you retain the contents of this 
letter all to yourself, I might write several things which I, 
however, omit. How did Rachel like the style of the love 
letters I sent? Tomorrow if I hear from you I will send you 
a love missal and otherwise write. 

"In the case of Alden I think well of your proposal, if 
it is at all possible, although I still have hopes that he will 
outgrow his infirmity. Sending him away can do no harm, at 
all events. Do as you judge proper and best.^ 

"In the case of my own disability you can rest easy, as 
my eye is much better, of which the fact that I have written 
so much tonight, is evidence. It was a severe attack of neu- 
ralgia. Time is required to entirely allay the consequent 
inflammation. 

"You will find a letter for Agnes — I owe it to her. She 
must write often, as it will be very interesting to me, besides 
a chance of improvement and practice to her. 

"When you write, enclose me a postage stamp, as none 
can be had here, and tell Rachel McFadden to write again, 
and I will not require an enclosed stamp from her to ensure 
an answer. 

"I am a thousand times obliged to Marcie for the flowers 
she sent me, and would send her some in return if there were 
any flowers near, but this place is very barren of them. 

"The family signatures I like to receive very much. Give 
each dear one by name my love. Love to all and God bless 
you all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

"P. S. — Little Jim's name is, and ought to be J. B. McF. 
There is not the remotest claim upon the name you propose." 



1 Alden did not outgrow his infirmity, which developed into 
total blindness. He became a pupil at the Pennsylvania Institution 
for the Blind in Philadelphia, and remained there eight years. He 
still lives, a resident of Sewickley, Pa. 



220 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



ALEXANDER HAYS TO HIS DAUGHTER, AGNES 

"Camp Terry, Cumberland Landing, May i8th 

[Sunday], 1862. 
"Dear Agnes : 

"Our army, at least the division to which the 63rd belongs, 
is now encamped on a branch of the York River [the Pamun- 
key], about 30 miles from Richmond. Other divisions are 
in advance, one at least within 15 miles of the famous city.^ 
Before this will reach you I have no doubt it will be ours, 
though it may not be without a battle. Such, however, is not 
my opinion, unless resistance is made within sight of the city 
itself. Expectations which we had a month ago have not been 
realized, and we have no better evidences to believe that the 
enemy intends to contend with us by building strongholds, 
to be evacuated as we approach. 

"I would like very much if I had leisure to write you a 
full account of all we have witnessed since we landed at 
Fortress Monroe, one month and a half ago, of the fort itself, 
of Hampton, 'the deserted village,' of Yorktown and its second 
siege, of Williamsburg, and the battles there, in fact, of our 
continued march to this point, with a thousand connected inci- 
dents. But I must reserve it now, as too long a tale, which, 
however, I hope you will yet hear, as related to my grand- 
children. 

"Your letter is of a rather an old date — May 4th — could 
3'ou not contrive to give me a little more of your time? Do 
try, and 'if you don't at first succeed, try again.' 

"Your friend, George Butler, left for home some time ago, 
and no doubt before this time has related wonderful accounts 
of his experience. 

"I see every day nearly all the friends for whom you make 
enquiries, and you can say to the Sharpsburg people that 
theirs are getting along well. Capt. Danks and Capt. Kirk- 
wood, with their men, are an important portion of my 
dependence in the hour of need. 

"You must now be satisfied with what I have been able 
to write, and I will endeavor to answer every letter 3'ou write 
hereafter. Give my love to grandma, Aunt Rachel, and to 
everyone at 104; to Uncle George. Aunt Margaret, Katie, and 
little Syd, also to Aunts Josephine and Elizabeth, to Cousin 
Mary and Tom, in fact, to everybody.^ 

"Yours affectionately, 

"A. Hays." 

1 For rosters — Heintzelman's troops at points named in this 
Chapter, vide Appendix I. 

2 The McFadden connection and immediate family. 



The Peninsular Campaign 221 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Ten Miles From Richmond, Va., May 26th, 1862. 
"Dear Sir: 

"I have received four letters from home today, and I 
must return my obligations, wholesale, as I am unable to write 
in detail. 

"As far as able I have complied with suggestions of yours. 
I would have written much oftener than I have, had duty 
and opportunity permitted, but for some time past, where the 
regiment was not on active duty, I have been required to go 
individually. I do not complain for I enjoy the best of health. 

"Our army is now stripped for the fight, and we may 
move forward at a moment's warning, unencumbered by any 
baggage. There will either be a terrific conflict between this 
point and Richmond, or else no fight at all. I write in antici- 
pation of either. 

"I have never felt more sanguine of the good conduct of 
my regiment than now, I mean in anticipation, but you will 
hear. 

"Will write as soon as possible. God bless you all at 
home. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex. Hays." 

"P. S. — We still keep our guard. Since 12 o'clock of last 
night it has rained in torrents, and the roads will be awful. 
Our baggage is still passing to the rear, and we are ready to 
'go ahead.' 11 130 o'clock, I write to Annie. 

"A. H." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Ten Miles From Richmond, Va., May 27th, 1862. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I have been much concerned on account of your illness,, 
communicated in your father's letter. I do not understand it, 
but hope it is all right, and that you may enjoy better health 
hereafter. 

"Before this will reach you, you will have heard by tele- 
graph of the success of our army at Richmond, for we will 
know no defeat, either the conflict will be terribly severe, or 
the enemy will make another dastardly evacuation, and leave 
us empty glory, unless Samuel Black should happen to be 
around and catch it in his sieve. 

"We are three miles in advance of Bottom's Bridge, the 
bug-bear you read so much about in the papers lately. Last 
night and this morning we are sending back there the knap- 
sacks of our men, and all baggage which might encumber us. 
Sam, with the sutler's wagon, will carry back this to White 
House Point. I received several letters from your father a 



222 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

few days ago, and know that there is a large mail on the 
road to us. Letters directed to Washington generally reach 
us, sooner or later. 

"I have written this far in the belief that morning would 
see us on the march to Richmond. At 12 o'clock last night 
[this is the 28th], the rain commenced to pour down in tor- 
rents, and continued until 11 A. ]\I. Our camp is fortunately 
located on a sandy ridge, skirted with pines, and is well 
drained. The shelter tents of the men protect them and we 
have come out of the storm dry and comfortable. 

"Other events of which I am not aware, have postponed 
our advance for a day or so, and I have concluded to retain 
this for additions to the last chance of sending it. 

"May 29th, 1862. 

"This morning is a delightful one, and at present as quiet 
as a Sabbath at home. For some days past we have heard 
almost continuous cannonading at Fort Darling, but know 
nothing of the result. I never enjoyed better health. My 
eyesight is improving very fast, and in a few days will be 
perfectly returned. The mail must leave now, but I will write 
tomorrow again. 

"My love to all. Here are flowers for Marcie. God bless 
you. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 



ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp, Seven Miles From Richmond, June 4th, 1862. 
"'Dear Wife : 

"I have obtained a sheet of paper, most unexpectedly, 
and an opportunity to send back this note. It will relieve 
anxiety on my account, although McGranahan wrote to you 
the next day after the battle of the 31st ult. You were then 
assured of my safety. Dan ^ was shot, but will recover. 
Colonel Morgan, Capt. Danks and the others have gone home 
wounded. From them you will have all particulars, until I 
am able to write again. The 63rd has done its duty, but is 
badly cut up. Love to all at home, and regards to all friends, 
and excuse this until you hear again. My sight has almost 
entirely recovered, and I never enjoyed better health. 

"Your husband. 

"Alex." 

1 The colonel's horse. 



The Peninsular Campaign 223 

No official report of Colonel Hays is extant of the part 
taken by him and the 63rd Regiment in that terrible struggle. 

As it was Alexander Hays' first great battle in the Civil 
War, the following account is taken from the history of the 
63rd Regiment : ^ 

"All the old soldiers of that portion of the Army of the 
Potomac will remember as long as they live, that terrible night 
of thunder and lightning and tempest, the night before Fair 
Oaks. 

"All night long the fearful war of the elements continued, 
and during the night a number of men in our division were 
killed by lightning. The storm ceased about daybreak, and 
on the morning of the 31st the sun rose bright and clear. The 
camp was soon astir and the boys were drying their clothing 
and laughing and joking as usual. The sluggish Chickahominy 
in our rear was now a raging torrent and that portion of the 
army that had crossed it was completely separated from the 
rear portion on the other side. 

"That day, about i o'clock, a rattle of musketry was heard 
coming from the extreme front where Generals Couch and 
Casey's divisions were stationed. Calculating upon the swell 
of the Chickahominy, which was holding the two wings of our 
army apart, the Rebel General Johnston had seized this 
moment to hurl his army against us in order to annihilate our 
entire left wing. 

"The musketry fire soon deepened into a continuous roar 
and presently the deep, hollow booming of cannon joined in, 
and we all knew a battle had begun. Soon an orderly from 
General Kearney's headquarters was seen galloping to Colonel 
Hays' tent, and in a few minutes we were hurrying up the 
railroad to the scene of carnage. Presently the shells from the 
Rebel cannon began to shriek over our heads, bursting with 
startling crashes among the treetops, while the zip, zip, zip of 
the musket balls betokened that we would soon be in the midst 
of it. 

"On our front was a large slashing — that is, the woods had 
been cut down, the trees being felled so that they lay in every 
way forming an almost impenetrable mass of trunks and 
branches. The Rebels had possession of a portion of this 
slashing, and Jameson's brigade, consisting of the 105th, 63rd 
and 57th Pennsylvania and the 87th New York, was ordered 
in to drive them out. In we went, yelling and cheering like 
madmen.'' 

The following graphic account of the Battle of Fair Oaks 
is reproduced from a letter written by Capt. B. J. Reid of 

1 "Under the Red Patch;" PP. 95-100, inclusive. 



224 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Company F, dated "Bivouac at Fair Oaks, Va., six and a half 
miles from Richmond, June lo, 1862 :" 

"On the memorable 31st of May, our camp was about a 
mile this side of the Chickahominy, at some rifle pits on the 
railroad, at eleventh mile post from Richmond. Two of our 
companies [I and K] were two miles distant, down the Chicka- 
hominy, erecting a bridge. Colonel Hays and Capt. Berringer 
[acting major] were three or four miles ofif, southward, 
inspecting the picket lines of our [Kearney's] division. At 2 
o'clock Company F went to a knoll across the railroad to 
bury Corporal Dunmire, who had died early that morning. 
While at the grave the heavy rattle of musketry was distinctly 
heard to the westward, mingled with the booming of cannon, 
which we had noticed an hour before without paying much 
attention to it, from its being of frequent occurrence. Hasten- 
ing back to camp, after the close of the ceremonies, we found 
the regiment forming for the march. 

"Our brigade [Jameson's] was ordered forward. Lieut.- 
Colonel Morgan was in command of the 63rd Regiment. We 
started out the railroad track, on the usual 'route-step;' but 
had not proceeded far when we were met by a courier from 
General Kearney, and the command 'double quick!' was given. 
Besides arms and accoutrements and 60 rounds of ammu- 
nition in the men's cartridge boxes, we had our canteens and 
our haversacks filled with three days' rations. We had had 
a heavy thunderstorm the previous day and night, and although 
the sky was still clouded, the air was close and sultry. 

"Sickness had thinned our ranks and considerably 
weakened most of those still on duty. * * * por my own 
part, though not decidedly sick, I had been rather unfit for 
nearly two weeks, and wlien it came to the double quick. I 
found it very hard work to keep up. Under almost any other 
circumstances I should have sunk by the wayside ; but, by 
throwing away my haversack and making extraordinary exer- 
tions, I kept my place at the head of my company. Quite a 
number in the regiment fell out of ranks, unable to keep it up ; 
but on the regiment pressed toward the awful roar of firearms, 
growing closer and louder every moment. 

"After making two and a half miles on the railroad, we 
obliqued across some fields to the left and struck the Williams- 
burg and Richmond turnpike, near the point known as 'Seven 
Pines.' Here we met a stream of men going back — some 
wounded — but most flying in panic. We kept our way along 
the turnpike amid a perfect shower of solid shot and shell from 
the enemy's batteries, that enfiladed the road and its immedi- 
ate vicinity. This severe cannonade increased the haste and 
confusion of the fugitives, and gave us a foretaste of what 
was before us. 



The Pejiinsular Campaign 225 



"On we pressed, led and cheered by General Jameson, who 
appeared unconscious of danger from the shells bursting on 
all sides. We double-quicked over a mile through this rain- 
storm, meeting now and then a piece of artillery or caisson in 
full retreat — having probably run out of ammunition, and 
fearful of being captured. It was to turn back this tide of 
battle that we were pushing forward. 

"Part of Berry's brigade of our division had preceded us 
a little way, and were already engaged in what seemed an 
unequal conflict with superior numbers. Casey's division — 
the first attacked — had by this time all fallen far to the rear 
and were effectually hors de combat. At length we reached 
the point where the rifle balls of the enemy began to mingle 
with their heavier shot. We halted a moment to allow the 
left of the regiment to close up. Then up again and forward. 
For some distance back there had been woods on both sides ; 
but we had now reached a point where Casey had felled the 
timber on both sides, to form an 'abattis.' Just beyond were 
the large open fields where his camps had been, and where his 
deserted tents were still standing. Here was the enemy's line 
of battle. 

"Our regiment was deployed on the left of the road — the 
105th Pennsylvania Volunteers and 87th New York [of our 
brigade] on the right. We deployed just behind the 'slash' 
or abattis, and had then to march over it, or crawl through it 
in line of battle, to reach the front. Just as Company F were 
filing into line. General Jameson cried out, 'Capt. Reid, go in 
there and don't come out until you have driven every Rebel 
out of that brush !' As soon as the line was formed, we 
advanced through the slash, our line resting on the road. This 
advance was very difficult, owing to the felled and tangled 
timber. And all the while bullets and shells were flying like 
hail, over and among us, coming from an enemy as yet unseen. 

"A few rods further was a belt of sapling pines and oaks, 
on the left of the road, not yet felled. Passing a few rods 
through this brought us to the front where, just at the edge 
of the saplings, a slender line of Berry's brigade was trying 
to hold its ground against a host of Rebels hid in a strip of 
brush and fallen timber, close in front of them concealed 
behind Casey's tents a little further beyond, and protected by 
three houses, a long row of cordwood, and a line of Casey's 
rifle pits, still beyond, where they had captured two of our 
batteries and were now turning our own guns against us with 
terrible effect. Here, just in the edge of the saplings, we 
halted and opened fire. 

"The crash and roar was grand. Berry's men were 
cheered up, and the Rebels appalled by the intensity of our 
steady and rapid fire. But the firing both ways was intense. 
Our line was already strewn with dead and wounded. Almost 



226 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays' 

at the first fire, Sergeant Elgin of my company, a splendid 
soldier, fell at my side, dead. A little further along the line, 
to the right. Orderly Sergeant Delo was a few moments after- 
wards killed. Then Private Rhees fell near the former. Now 
and then, too, one of my men would walk or be carried, 
wounded, to the rear. 

"We soon discovered that the most deadly fire came from 
the swampy brush wood and fallen timber close by us. We 
could see the smoke of the rifles among the brush, and by 
watching sharply, could distinguish a head or an arm half 
hidden. It was evident that the patch of brush was full of 
Rebels, and we soon turned our attention chiefly in that direc- 
tion. A Michigan man close by me fell dead, just as he had 
loaded his piece. I thought I saw where the shot came from, 
and seized his loaded gun in time to level it at a crouching 
Rebel there, who seemed about to fire again. He was not 30 
yards from me. There appeared to be a race between us ; but 
I shot first, and the Rebel rolled over backwards in the swamp, 
and troubled us no more. Under the circumstances, I had no 
compunction about it. 1 took the balance of the dead man's 
cartridges and used his gun the rest of the evening. 

"That spot soon became too hot for its occupants, and a 
few tried to fall back from it, but as they had a piece of open 
field to pass in order to reach safer shelter, scarcely one 
escaped alive. I was there two days afterwards, and although 
the Rebels had buried great numbers of their dead Saturday 
night and Sunday, I found that little piece of brushy swamp 
and abattis literally filled with Rebel dead. The scene was 
a sad one after the excitement of the battle was over. 

"Middling early in the fight, our lieutenant-colonel was 
wounded and carried off the field. Thus left without any field 
officer, we fought on, keeping our ground, unsupported by 
artillery and reinforcements, although the enemy had both. 
We could plainly see fresh regiments brought up and deployed 
in line, strengthening and relieving the others, thinned by 
our fire. Two or three times they appeared formed, as for 
a charge, but they did not attempt it where we were. They 
did, however, charge on the extreme right of our brigade, and 
by overwhelming pressure, compelled it to give way. 

"The enemy followed up their advantage with great vigor 
and before sundown they had succeeded in flanking us so far 
on that side, that they had possession of the turnpike behind 
us. Then it was that Colonel Campbell coming up with his 
regiment [the 57th Pennsylvania of our brigade] and our own 
Colonel Hays with Companies I and K, made such splendid 
efforts to turn back the advancing wave. Colonel Hays rapidly 
gathered up about half a regiment of straggling fugitives, 
rallied them for a stand, and forming them about his own 
companies, led them to the charge, supported by the 57th. 



The Peninsular Campaign 227 



Both colonels and both regiments did gallantly and checked 
the enemy for awhile, but being reinforced, the latter advanced 
again with unbroken front and Colonel Hays' miscellaneous 
recruits gave way, leaving only Companies I and K to breast 
the wave. He reluctantly withdrew from the unequal contest, 
as did also the 57th. 

"It was sundown and General Jameson had given the 
order for our whole brigade to fall back to an entrenched 
position on the turnpike about a mile and a half to the rear, 
having the advantages of wide, open fields in front on both 
sides of the road, where our batteries would have a good 
range to guard against a night attack. Somehow or other, 
I believe from the cowardice or other default of our courier 
charged with the delivery of the order, it never reached us, 
and after the other regiments of the brigade had gone safely 
back, and the enemy had followed them a considerable dis- 
tance along the turnpike behind us, we still held our position 
on the left of the road in the very front of where the hottest 
of the battle had been. 

"I knew well, from the direction of the firing on our right, 
that the enemy had succeeded in flanking us on that side, 
and there was still light enough to see fresh regiments beyond 
the houses moving toward our left. Our men had shot away 
all their ammunition, except perhaps one or two cartridges 
apiece, and had emptied besides, the cartridge boxes of our 
dead and wounded. Capt. Kirkwood of Company B, succeed- 
ing to the command as senior captain, asked my advice as to 
what he should do. I told him we had done all we could for 
that day ; that under the circumstances to remain there longer 
was to expose what was left of the regiment to be sacrificed 
or captured as in a few minutes the only avenue of escape 
left us would be cut off. We had sent back all our wounded 
that we could find; the dead we could not possibly take with 
us through the slash and swamps we would have to cross. 

"Accordingly the captain gave the order to fall back 
slowly, just as it was growing dark. After I had seen that 
we had left none of our men behind and could get no further 
answer to my calls than the whiz of bullets that still came 
flying from the rifle pits behind the houses, we turned our 
men into a by-path that diverged considerably from the main 
road, which was held by the enemy in force, and from which 
they greeted us with random and harmless volleys. A little 
further on I was struck by a spent fragment of a shell, caus- 
ing a slight smart for a few minutes, but without br-eaking 
the skin. That was the only time I was even touched that 
day by any of the enemy's missiles. I never can be sufificiently 
thankful to Almighty God for my preservation from the 
showers of bullets that whistled close by me ; it seemed almost 
incredible that I was not touched. I walked through that belt 
of little pines on Monday after the battle and it astonished 



228 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

even me to see how almost every sapling of two or three 
inches thickness was spotted all over with bullet marks, from 
the ground up to the height of a man's head. It may be my 
lot to be in many another battle, but I do not believe I can 
ever be placed in a situation of greater apparent danger. 



"We succeeded in rejoining our brigade at about lo 
o'clock that night. We found them on the east side of a large 
tract of about a mile square, on both sides of the turnpike, 
collected and disposed in order of battle — protected in part 
by earthworks, commenced by Generals Casey and Couch on 
their first advance, and which our generals were now busy 
extending and strengthening to be ready for emergencies. 

"Striking across the opening, we found some of Hooker's 
division which had arrived from the left and rear just as the 
firing had ceased. They were fresh for the work in the morn- 
ing. Inquiring as we went along the lines, we found that 
Kearney and Jameson were in the edge of the woods on the 
north side of the turnpike. * * * General Jameson was 
overjoyed to see so many of the 63rd safe, and returning in 
a body in good order. He led us to Kearney's headquarters, 
where we found Colonel Hays and Companies I and K. Here 
we got some crackers and hot coffee and rested on our arms 
until morning. Here, too, we learned that besides Hooker, 
who came from the left, Richardson's and Sedgwick's divisions 
of Sumner's Corps, had arrived from the other side of the 
Chickahominy on our right, just in time to give and take, 
before dark, a volley or two with the left wing of the Rebel 
army, which was moving dowm on the north side of the rail- 
road expecting to cut off our retreat. So the prospect for the 
morning's work was much more agreeable than it would have 
been in the absence of such comfortable reinforcements. 

" * * * Sunday morning the Rebels advanced boldly 
to the attack, coming up to the edge of the woods in front 
of us, but Hooker's division on the turnpike and Sumner's 
troops on the railroad — our brigade being held as a 'reserve' — 
met and routed them in a couple of hours' fighting, without 
any need of our help. 

"Ever since we have been kept in position, changing only 
by advancing, ready for battle at any moment. There has 
been some skirmishing since, between the pickets, and an 
occasional cannonade from one or both sides, but nothing 
more as yet. I think, however, the great f]attle of Richmond 
will be fought this week, if it is to be fought at all. 

" * * * Our regiment lost 21 killed, 81 wounded, and 
17 missing. * * *" 



The Peninsular Campaign 229 



ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Near Battlefield of 'Fair Oaks,' 
Seven Miles From Richmond, 

Va., June 7th, 1862. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I have written a long letter [on borrowed materials], to 
your father and from his you will get the news. Capt. Rodgers 
came to recognize his son. Today he has reburied him, and 
goes home satisfied. Poor, noble boy, his head was almost 
shot ofif. ^ 

"I send by the captain a little bottle of magnolia buds, 
ofif the battlefield of 'Fair Oaks.' 

"I am perfectly well, and thank Providence, am unharmed. 
The papers and individual annals will tell you of our killed 
and wounded. Danks has gone home with Morgan. Emerick 
is wounded, and a prisoner, but we will have him back in a 
few days.^ 

"God bless you and our dear children, and our friends. I 
need not say how much I love you, more now than ever. Be 
of good cheer, and trust in Providence, which has ever been 
so kind to us. 

"I have and will write as often as possible. 

"You have heard of poor 'Dan's' accident — lost [probably] 
one of his hind feet. George has him in the rear. When I 
can I will write to the children the story of a poor little colt 
which followed 'Dan' on the battlefield. 

"Yours forever, 

"Alex." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Near Battlefield of 'Fair Oaks,' 
Seven Miles From Richmond, 

Va., June 7th, 1862. 
"Dear Sir: 

"Yesterday we were gladdened by the receipt from you 
of a kind, encouraging letter dated June 2nd. How it reached 
us is almost a mystery, as we have so long been cut oflf from 
mail facilities. Since the 31st I have written several letters, 
or rather notes, almost without hope that they might reach 
home. Capt. Rodgers arrived yesterday in search of his son. 
This morning he goes out to the battlefield to mark his grave, 
and return as soon as possible to Pittsburgh. 

"I cannot write to you the details of the fight, or the inci- 

1 Private John Rodgers of Company H, who was killed at Fair 
Oaks, May 31, 1862. 

2 Private John A. Emerick of Company E, did not return. He 
died in Richmond, a prisoner of war, July 11, 1862. Mrs. Hays 
was personally acquainted with many of the men of the 63rd Regi- 
ment, hence the colonel's frequent mention of them individually. 



230 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



dents of the past seven days. The 63rd lost 150, killed and 
wounded, and the 105th about an equal number. The two 
are 'the heroes of the day.' The 57th also lost severely. Con- 
sidering the numbers of each regiment that could be brought 
into action, the loss is terrible — about one in five. Supporting 
the troops of Casey's flying division, ours met the enemy, 
flushed with success, but from the moment we met them the 
tide of battle turned, and we drove them like sheep. 

"Western Pennsylvania has no competitors for the honors 
of 'Fair Oaks,' and the flags of others are lowered to ours as 
they pass. 

"From Colonel INIorgan you will have some particulars. 
He was wounded soon after the action began and I did not 
see him afterwards. P^or hours afterwards the battle raged, 
and I had no time to spare to call upon non-combatants or 
hors de combats. During the day I took part with four or 
five different regiments, and you may include at least two 
squabbles with ofiicers of the regular army, who commanded 
regiments, or rather pretended to command them. God help 
the regular army if they are specimens ! No one, not a wit- 
ness, can believe the contrasts presented of dastardly cow- 
ardice and reckless bravery. 

"My wrath disappears, for we have just received the New 
York Herald with the glorious news of Halleck's army, and 
the total discomfiture of Beauregard's. If true, and we do not 
doubt it, Richmond will be ours before two days, and then 
with pen, ink and paper you shall have a history of the war. 
In a folio of letters, I could not explain the progress of 'war, 
pestilence and famine,' including consumate cowardice, which 
has thinned the ranks of the 63rd, from 1,052 down to the 
effective force of this day — only 400. Killed, wounded, died, 
the sick and the cowards, 652. I am getting up to accounts, 
as you will perceive, and gratify you particularly with figures. 

"In the list I have there are a few cowards, but there are 
some. Has the 'major' called upon you since his arrival in 
Pittsburgh on sick leave? You will recognize him by a hectic 
cough, keeping one hand over his heart, as if he was afraid 
it might leave his body. 

"Your friend, 'T ' has gone home, resigned, to 'the 

music of the enemy's guns.' He had no $15, but promised to 
pay at Pittsburgh, but if his credit is no better than his cour- 
age, I pity his creditors. 

"Danks goes home, shot. Hanna has resigned this day, 
but his health is destroyed. I fear his disease is deep-seated, 
and I regret to lose him, for he is a good egg. 

"The 'field and staff' of the 63rd now consists of Capt. 
Berringer, acting lieutenant-colonel ; Capt. Kirkwood, acting 
major; Adjutant Corts, wounded twice with buckshot, but not 
severely, and Quartermaster Haymaker, wounded severely. 

"I have never felt more confident of the 63rd than now. 



The Peninsular Campaign 231 



'Our band is few, though true and tried.' 'Old Dad,' as we 
call Derringer, can't be beat, except in spelling, for he always 
spells 'vittles' with a 'w.' ^ 

"As for Kirkwood, he beats everybody else, and you can 
say to 'the plough factory,' that if they have any more such 
stock in the family the country will be proud of them. Kirk- 
wood is a soldier in the most superlative sense. - 

"Young Cook ^ has gone home, wounded, with Morgan. 
I have written to inform his brother, but he has found him 
no doubt. Tell his brother the boy is a nobleman. David 
Shields is unhurt, and as independent as ever. If anything 
occurs to him it will be communicated. Emerick was left 
upon the battlefield wounded, and no doubt is a prisoner in 
Richmond. 

"For fear Capt. Rodgers returns, anxious to go homeward, 
I will close this letter, but continue to write until he goes." 

"A. H." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Battlefield of 'Fair Oaks,' Ya., June 15th, 1862. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I have written a long letter to Rachel, but cannot omit 
writing to you also. I wrote to you by Capt. Rodgers, and 
have no doubt of his safe arrival in Pittsburgh. I sent you 
by him, enclosed in a small bottle, three magnolia buds. They 
are real natural trophies, as they were plucked from a tree 
upon the battlefield, which bears evidence of the sweeping 
fire of the enemy, which was intended for the breasts of our 
friends. I stood under it for a little while, and enjoyed the 
fragrance of its blossoms, but the location became too hot, 
and I retired. Henry gathered them next day, while I sat 
by upon the ground covered by twigs cut down JDy the enemy's 
bullets. 

"I have not time to dwell upon extras this morning. I 
feel deeply concerned for your dear health, that it overcomes 
every other anxiety. For myself I am in excellent health, in 
fact never was better. My eyesight is almost completely 
restored. As an evidence, Capt. Kirkwood and I went out 
yesterday to fire off our pistols. That, of course, requires the 
right eye. I put six shots within the space of six inches. 

"Rachel's letter must answer you all for such news as I 
have to give, and I think our dear 'Rache' will peddle it out 
effectively. 

1 Colonel Hays subsequently changed his mind about Derringer, 
as will develop. 

2 Reference here is to Speer's plow factory in Pittsburgh, then 
at Hay (Fourth Street) and Duquesne Way, and near the McFad- 
den home. The proprietors were uncles of Capt. Kirkwood. 

3 Corporal George A. Cook of Company G, who died of his 
wounds July 4, 1862. 



232 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"I will march this afternoon with only 400 men. Think 
of my former 1,000! 

"I feel thankful to a kind Providence for the preservation 
of my life so far, and with a firm reliance still, I walk for- 
ward. I feel deeply for those who have been made to mourn, 
but proud that in no case has anyone to blush for their friends 
who belonged to the 63rd. 

"Now, dear wife, for my sake you will be of good cheer, 
and cherish your own health. Give love to all 'our squadron.' 
Tell Agnes I was much gratified with her letters. Alden will, 
I know, be a good boy, and 'Gib' will be as good as possible. 
To Rachel and Martha my best love, and to *Alf' and 'Jim' 
I have nothing to say except that I will attend to them when 
I get home, if they require it. I can write you no more than 
you have gleaned from the papers, Capt. Danks, etc. 

"God bless you, my beloved wife, and enable you to bear 
your trials heroically. Have faith, and all will be well. You 
do not now require any protestations from me. You know 
it is deep, almost to idolatry. Believe no tales until you 
receive them from authentic sources. If I cannot write, some 
one will. God bless you all. 

"Last night as the whipporwill sang on the outskirts of 
camp, I thought of you all, and felt homesick, but I dare not 
entertain even that disease, for the thought is followed with 
serious consequences. I have a holy calling, when that is ful- 
filled I will be with you again. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

One cannot fail to admire the tenderness and devotion 
in this epistle, written on the battlefield after the terrible 
combat of Fair Oaks, and to call to mind again the colonel's 
love of flowers, as exemplified in the magnolia buds sent home, 
and to remember also his trip overland in 1850, where the 
same love was manifest and flowers found their way to his 
family months after they were plucked, from wherever he could 
find opportunity to forward. 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp 'Fair Oaks.' June i8th, 1862. 
"Dear Sir: 

"I write in haste, that I may not detain Mr. McMasters, 
who has barely called upon us, and leaves at once. 

"I have today only 374 men, but others are coming up 
from the hospitals in rear. I will give you a long epistle by 
Capt. Rodgers, when he returns, probably tomorrow. 



The Peninsular Campaign 233 



"We, in camp, are all well — Berringer, Kirkwood, Corts, 
Bagaley, etc. 

" 'Dan" ^ is getting well. Love to all at home, and God 
bless you all. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"A. Hays." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp 'Fair Oaks,' Va., June 20th, 1862. 
"Dear Sir: 

"For some days past I have been scribbling on stray 
pieces of paper with a pencil, a kind of diary, intending to 
write it off and send to you. Just now Capt. Rodgers has sent 
me word from his son's grave, that he must be off at once. 
I will, therefore, write briefly by him, and forward the others 
by mail as soon as possible. You will then discover how dif- 
ficult, almost impossible it is to write, as we are situated. 
We are now encamped near the ground upon which the 63rd 
was engaged on the 31st of May. In front we have con- 
structed a system of redoubts and breastworks, and have no 
apprehension of an attack from the enemy. What is our gen- 
eral's designs no one knows. I have just received yours and 
Annie's letters of the i6th and 15th, but can write no more, 
as Mr. Hurst is waiting". 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex Hays." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp 'Fair Oaks,' June 25th, 1862. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I have just received your letter of the 15th, and your 
father's of the i6th. 

"You cannot imagine the satisfaction I receive from them, 
in fact, if it was not for home inflluences I believe we would 
all become savages here. Capt. Rodgers promised that he 
would give me notice of his leaving, but has sent word that 
he must leave at once. You will therefore excuse a short 
epistle, and I will write longer by mail. We cannot depend 
upon citizens going home. 

"What concerns you most I will give now. My health 
never was better and my eyesight is again almost perfect. I 
will write out as soon as possible, the material I have collected 
for some days, and then you will be satisfied. Yesterday I 
had out the whole 'family gallery' and enjoyed it much. 

"I need not say how much, if possible, your noble and 
affectionate bearing has endeared you to me, since this 
infernal war was begun. God alone knows how much I love 
you all. 

1 "Dan," the horse previously mentioned witli a wounded foot. 



234 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"For the children you can report that 'Dan' is again upon 
his feet, and is impatiently plunging and fretting, tied to a 
tree near me, because I will not come and speak to him. 

"David Shields is again about and will enjoy good health 
hereafter. I cannot detain the bearer longer. 
"Love to all, mother, Rachel, etc. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

"June 26, 1862. 

"You will find a full and complete list of our killed, 
wounded and missing, which we have made out, published in 
the papers. 

"Encourage the people of my boys to hope for the best. 
If the news from Halleck reaches the enemy it will totally 
demoralize them. Large reinforcements are hourly joining us, 
and if we must, we will force our road to Richmond very soon. 
I think Kearney's may be called upon to set an example. 

"The cars are up and Capt. Rodgers has returned and 
will go off at once. God bless you all at home. 

"I send by the captain a little bottle enclosing a magnolia 
blossom from a tree on the battlefield of 'Fair Oaks.' 

"Kind regards to friends and love to those you know I 
love. Look out for letters from Richmond. 

"If the 63rd again charges it will only stop at Richmond. 

"Write often until I tell you to come. 

"Yours sincerelv, 
"Alex Hays, Col. 63rd Pa. Vols." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp 'Fair Oaks,' Va., June 26th, 1862. 
"Dear Sir: 

"I take the first opportunity offered for many days to 
write. There is now in the hands of John Alclntyre and 
others, at least 12 pages, written for you, Annie and others. 
Mr. IMcIntyre is still here, wondering why General ]\IcClellan 
does not suspend operations against Richmond to attend to 
the care of his boy. I will therefore send this by mail. 

"Day before yesterday I received orders to hold 'the iron 
clad 63rd' ready to take the lead in an advance towards Rich- 
mond at 8 o'clock A. M. We were deployed as skirmishers 
in the pine woods in front of our line defences, supported by 
the 20th Indiana in the rear. Children never felt more glee 
at a dancing school than my gallant 300 exhibited when they 
knew their mission. They appreciated the post of honor, and 
we always obtain it. Steady as veterans they moved forward, 
and when we had passed our own pickets about 100 yards, 
we came across the enemy. Steadily and regularly we drove 
them before us for a mile and a quarter, until we were opposed 



The Peninsular Campaign 235 

by the 4th Georgia. The Georgians were dressed in a fancy 
French zouave uniform, which caused our men to hesitate, 
and it was reported to me and asked what will we do? I 
told them to give it to them anyhow, they have no business 
to be there. Then our boys pitched in again, and in 15 minutes 
the Georgians were on the road to Richmond. The rout was 
complete. The quality, elegance and taste of all their equip- 
ment bore evidence that they were all scions of the first families 
among the Georgian chivalry. By an infernal blundering order 
from a stupid brigadier, I was still ordered forward, until we 
had passed all other troops of Kearney at least half a mile. 
We were at least half a mile nearer Richmond than any other 
regiment of our division, and so near large bodies "of the 
Rebels that we could distinctly hear every command of their 
officers. After an hour we were drawn back to the camp of 
the Georgians, which we held during the day and next night. 
On our right and left the battle raged furiously, at intervals, 
during the day. Sometimes the small arms rattled incessantly 
for an hour at a time, while shells from our batteries flew 
over our heads, bearing death and destruction to the enemy 
beyond. 

"Their batteries in return replied, and shot and shell flew 
and burst around us in all directions. 

"The 20th Indiana [900 men], were through the day 
formed on our left, joining the 63rd. During the afternoon 
the enemy made an attack upon them, and the 87th New York. 
At first they drove the enemy like sheep, but a 'stampede' 
occurred and both regiments retreated. 

"It would have been a funny sight to an uninterested 
observer to have witnessed both sides on a regular go, but 
the Rebels found out the game first and turned after ours, 
driving them a quarter of a mile beyond the position of the 
63rd. All this occurred in our immediate vicinity, and partly 
in our sight. The chase of the Rebels outflanked me, and I 
was forced to march around to get in front of them again, 
which I did. Reinforcements soon came up and I returned 
to my proper place. 

"We held our position as pickets all night. Pickets were 
advanced from each regiment. About 11 o'clock P. M. the 
enemy fired upon us, which I ordered to be returned by our 
right. As soon as we fired every picket and regiment opened 
fire upon the 63rd. It was terrible, but by causing the men 
to lie down we escaped with two killed and two wounded. 
Even our own pickets became bewildered and faced about to 
fire upon us. It was one of those unaccountable incidents 
which cannot be remedied. Taking the whole day through 
we have reason to congratulate ourselves and thank a kind 
Providence. Our success was perfect, and drew from General 
Kearney the highest compliments before the regiment on the 
battle ground. 



236 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"Our small loss appears miraculous. Five killed and 17 
wounded. Among the former, Lieut. S. Hays Cochran, from 
Franklin. 

"I am in perfect health, although yesterday too much 
exhausted to hold a pen. I never before realized 'nature's 
outworn agony.' My bugler's horse had his leg broken, which 
was the only casualty in my family. 

"I missed Kirkwood much. He is sick in hospital, but 
better. 

"Love to all. God bless you. Kind regards to friends. 
I am division officer of the day. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"A. Hays." 

"This day or tomorrow may be eventful days." 

SERGEANT W. M. McGRANAHAN TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp of the 63rd Regiment, Pa. Vols.. 

..,, __ Fair Oaks, Tune 26th, 1862. 

Mrs. Hays, 

"Respected Madam: 

"Hardly have I done recounting the particulars of one 
engagement in which the 63rd participated, until I find us 
driving the enemy, and again hotly contesting the field with 
them. Yesterday morning we received an order to be under 
arms at 7 o'clock, and to fall in promptly 'as it was important 
on this occasion.' W'^e were on hand at the appointed hour, 
and an aid brought an order to the colonel to march out to 
the rifle-pits, which we did, and were met b}^ General Robin- 
son, who gave the colonel some instructions, and away we 
went towards a wood in front of us in which soon we came 
upon our pickets and formed a line on the same front with 
them. Colonel Hays then threw out skirmishers, and this 
Avas the first intimation we had of the intention to advance 
on the Rebel pickets ; but advance we did, and driving them 
before us, were supported by the 20th Indiana, a regiment 
recently attached to our brigade. We soon came upon the 
Rebel reserve, however, and for a while we were checked. 
Hooker's division on right had a hard fight for the position 
they gained, and the volleys of musketry were equal to any 
heard on the day of the battle of Fair Oaks. All day our line 
held the woods and were forced to maintain our position all 
night, and of course ever)d3ody had to remain awake to pre- 
vent surprise, which was attempted several times. In an 
alarm and firing about i A. M., Lieut. S. Hays Cochran of 
Company G, a native of Franklin, Venango County, was badly 
wounded and died today. Poor Cochran ! ^ He did his duty 

iLieut. Cochran, a native of Franklin, and a namesake of 
Samuel Hays' was well known to the colonel and their families 
most intimate, as Honorable Samuel Hays, the general's father, was 
a resident of Franklin for almost his entire lifetime. 



The Peninsular Campaign 237 



and brought the company through the battle of Fair Oaks, 
but fell in the comparatively small afifair of yesterday. ^ We 
were considerably worn out this morning when we fell back 
to the rifle-pits, the fatigue of yesterday, with the loss of 
sleep last night, told on us, and all hands were glad to get 
to camp to dinner. We had a pretty severe little fight, and 
if General Kearney's words can be believed, the 63rd has 
immortalized herself. He came up to Colonel Hays on the 
line last night just before dark, and said: 'Colonel, I con- 
gratulate you. You have done well.' Upon which Colonel 
Hays replied: 'Thank you, general.' The general then 
announced : 'This is the regiment that has covered itself with 
glory.' He kindly inquired after our wounded, and this morn- 
ing told Colonel Hays to send in his report of the regiment's 
loss as soon as possible 'that the men might have due credit.' 
I enclose a list of our killed, wounded and missing, which is 
slight in comparison with some of the regiments which 
assisted us in driving the Rebel lines. 

"This morning a terrible cannonading was opened far on 
the right, about 7 o'clock, and has been kept up ever since, 
and it is now 10 o'clock. What it means we do not know yet, 
but rumor says that McDowell has effected a connection with 
Porter on the right, and that they are swinging around on 
Richmond with all their forces. Corts has just gone over to 
Hooker's division to see what is the meaning of the terrific 
cheering heard in their camps for the last half hour. The can- 
nonading has ceased, and we almost begin to believe that 
Richmond is taken. 

"Our attack on the Rebels yesterday on our left was a 
feint to draw their attention from the right while AlcClellan 
accomplished a piece of strategy up there. He came down in 
the evening to see us, and openly said that through the firm- 
ness of our attack he had succeeded in accomplishing what 
he intended. The cheering continues as I write and I am 
getting very excited. Richmond must surely be taken. Until 
Corts gets back with the news let me talk a little about the 
colonel. Yesterday's hallooing, giving commands, wath last 
night's exposure in the damp and swampy woods, has made 
him quite hoarse, and this evening his voice can scarcely be 
heard. He is well otherwise though. 

"Corts has returned. He reports that Porter's corps ^ has 
crossed the Chickahominy, gained an eminence commanding 
Richmond, and is driving the Rebels before him like chaff 

1 This engagement is known as the "Battle of the Orchard or 
Seven Pines," and is also called "Oak Grove," and the Union forces 
engaged were Hooker's and Kearney's divisions of the Third Corps, 
Palmer's brigade of Couch's division of the then Fourth Corps, and 
part of Richardson's division of the Second Corps. 

2 General Porter had been placed in command of the Fifth 
Corps. 



238 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

before the wind. This is good news indeed, as it is the first 
step towards the taking of Richmond. 

"You will get all this news before my letter reaches you, 
but you will know how we received the joyful intelligence 
in camp. 

"With the best wishes for yourself and family, and hoping 
this hateful war may soon cease and the colonel restored to 
you in safety, I am, with much respect, 

"Yours very truly, 
"W. M. McGranahan."! 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Bivouac, Julv 4th, 1862. 
"Dear Wife: 

"I have concluded to terminate my celebration of 'the 
glorious Fourth' by writing through you to all my friends. 
What has preserved my life and limbs throughout the events 
and transactions of the last month, I know not ; excepting your 
combined prayers at home. 

"The glorious 63rd has a reputation unequalled by any 
regiment in the service. The best evidence of it is the 
acknowledgment of it by all, without a show of envy, but 
never has it been better illustrated that 

'The paths of glory lead but to the grave.' 

"Imagine a quiet country house which a few hours before 
had been a peaceful home for happy children, made a 'bone 
of contention' by two parties of infuriated men. The last I 
saw of that house — round about it, in its outhouses and in 
the green swarded enclosure around it, was piled with the 
dead, dying and wounded. 

'A field of the dead rushes red on my sight.' 

"For seven days it has been one continued battle, awfully 
severe to us, but doubly so to the enemy. The 63rd has 
covered itself with glor}-, but most dearly bought, ^^'e have 
lost in killed and wounded every third man. 

"For two days in succession we have supported regular 
batteries of artillery, and we are on the tongues of all men. 
'There goes the fighting 63rd.' The artillery has great faith 
in the 63rd. 

"I am writing this upon a cracker box, by candle light. 
My men are round about me — every one is sound asleep. 

"For the last two days we have rested and fed, and we 
need it much, as little of 'bed and board' has been known to 
anyone for a week before. There they lie. yet one single syl- 
lable from me — 'Up!' will in a moment start ever^'one to his 

1 William M. McGranahan, then sergeant-major, later adjutant, 
63rd Regiment. 



The Peninsular Campaign 239 

feet, and in less time than I write, the 63rd would be ready for 
action. God bless them ! They are a gallant set of boys, and 
it pains me to scold them, as I did this evening, for eating 
too much and being selfish. 

"Now, with the blue canopy above me, I will sleep. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"In Bivouac, July 4th, 1862. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I will only write a few lines to say, as you have already 
heard from Dr. Allison,^ that I am safe and well, thanks to 
a kind Providence and your prayers. For seven days it has 
been one continued battlie, awfully severe to us, but doubly 
severe to the enemy. The 63rd has covered itself with glory, 
but most dearly bought. We have lost in killed and wounded 
every third man. For two days in succession we have sup- 
ported regular batteries of artillery, and we are on the tongue 
of all men. 'There goes the fighting 63rd.' 

"Among our own acquaintances there are many missing. 
Jones was wounded, but not mortally. I have not seen him 
since, but believe he is a prisoner. Bagaley lost an arm and 
is a prisoner; Reid is wounded, Ryan is wounded; Powers of 
Kirkwood's company is killed, I fear. I went in with 300 men, 
made three charges and came out with 150. 

"I received yesterdav yours of the 25th and your father's 
by Dr. Whitesell. ^ 

"We have repulsed the Rebels on every occasion, and 
can do it again. 

"Trusting in God and our good cause, I move forward 
again. 'Dan' was wounded again, two days ago, but will get 
well. 

"Young Davis ^ is missing, probably killed. 'Dave' Shields 
is well and hearty, although his clothes are cut up by bullets, 
as are the clothes of almost every man in the regiment. 

"God bless you all, and thanks for the favors of the 25th. 

"Love and regards to all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

1 Rev. James Allison, D. D., editor of the "Presbyterian 
Banner," of Pittsburgh. 

- Dr. Whitesell, a volunteer surgeon from near Pittsburgh, 
whose sad story will come soon. 

3 Corporal Thomas J. Davis of Company E, missing at Fair 
Oaks, and never heard of afterwards. 



240 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



ALEXANDER HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Whitesell, Near Westover Landing, Va., 

"July /th, 1862, 2:30 A. M. 
"Dear Sir: 

"Having discharged the duty [the reverse of parents in 
common life] of waking up my children, General Davis' 
legions can come on — my boys will have hot cofifee, and we 
still have abundance of lead and steel for the reception of 
Rebels. Day will not break for more than an hour, and I will 
spend my time in writing the history of 'the battle of Nelson's 
farm.' 

"Our division [Kearney's] had retired from before Rich- 
mond, and upon the 30th of June lay taking rest at Nelson's. 
Early in the day I received an order to support Thompson's 
battery of artillery,^ and was left untrammeled thereafter by 
brigadier-generals. One section [two pieces] was advanced 
beyond the general lines, and the 63rd silently took position 
near, in a belt of young pines, to await coming events. Occa- 
sional shots were fired from the guns into the distant woods, 
as often as some adventurous scout of the enemy would appear 
upon the outskirts. About 2 o'clock P. M., the report of a 
rifled gun, and the rushing whiz of a round shot, directed at 
our artillery, announced that Jeff Davis, with a large company 
of friends, had arrived from Richmond, and were enquiring 
for our whereabouts. The advanced section was withdrawn 
and the 63rd flanked off, and took position in rear of the now 
combined battery. Soon the roar and rattle, on all sides, 
announced one of the fiercest conflicts ever raged between 
contending parties of men. Thompson opened upon the enemy 
at a distance, and played away for an hour, while the 63rd 
lay upon their arms, inactive spectators of the fight, although 
fully warned of their interest in the game going on by the 
bursting, around, over and among them of every infernal mis- 
sile invented by man. A bullet takes Corts' horse through 
the jaw. Off goes Corts and so does the horse. Corts was 
badly bruised by the fall and was 'hors de combat.' Through 
the smoke which was rolling in cloudy wreaths from our gun's, 
a mounted officer approached the 63rd with a waving sword, 
and call to forward. Believing the time had come I called the 
63rd : 'Up, and at them !' No order was ever better or more 
promptly obeyed by veterans. The low fence was cleared at 
a bound, and with caution of 'guide center,' 'double quick!' 
in less time than I write the bayonets of the 63rd were leveled 
in front of our guns. The smoke cleared away and I dis- 
covered a false alarm, and again returned them to the fence. 
In half an hour, however, Thompson announced danger to 
his guns, and at once the regiment sprang forward, passing 
the guns, lay down upon the ground 50 feet in front, and 

1 Thompson's Battery G, 2nd U. S. Artillery. 



The Peninsular Campaign 241 

opened a perfect storm of rifles. The battery still played 
away overhead, and the enemy swarmed in the woods lOO 
yards in advance, and in and around a dwelling and outhouses, 
half that distance in advance. There we held them for more 
than an hour, until Thompson announced that his ammunition 
was exhausted and he must withdraw his battery. I told him 
to go ahead and I would give him a good chance. Again it 
was 'up, 63rd, give them cold steel ; charge bayonets, forward, 
double quick!' 

"In a flash, yelling like incarnate fiends, Ave were upon 
them. Muzzle to muzzle it was fiercely contended, through 
the palings, in and around Nelson's house. Such an onset 
could not last long, and towards dark we retired, having 
silenced the last shot. 

"You know the particulars of individuals, through letters 
and the papers. I lost one out of every two and one-half men 
I had. Lieut. Gray of McKeesport, and Lieut. Fulton ^ were 
all the commissioned officers 1 had left. 

"So flattering are the expressions I hear from all sides 
that with innate modesty I refrain from repetitions. From 
McClellan to the drummer boy it is admitted to be the most 
brilliant thing in the war. 

"Kearney is somewhat hyperbolical in his expressions, 
but says it was magnificent, glorious, and the only thing that 
he saw like the pictures made in the papers [to please chil- 
dren]. He declares it was all there. The helpless artillery, 
the man on horseback and the fierce looking devils bearing 
forward on their bayonets, as though they were endeavoring 
to break the stock of each gun. 

"General Berry, yesterday said in my hearing that others 
might boast, but that there was no similar case in the war, 
where a regiment had made such a charge and for so long a 
time kept up such an unremitting, murderous fire upon the 
enemy. 

"The above is entirely and exclusively for home consump- 
tion, and friends, to whom please give my best regards. Neither 
myself nor horse was touched. The clothes of the men who 
were not wounded, are really a curiosity, scarcely a garment 
without a hole in it, and some cases five or six. 

"Bless you all. McGranahan writes to Annie.- My sick 
are improving and the regiment again grows, thanks to Dr. 
Whitesell. I also command the 57th [Campbell's]. 

"Most sincerely, 

"Alex Hays, 
"Colonel 63rd Regt., Pa. Vols." 

1 Hugh B. Fulton, first lieutenant of Company H, killed at 
Fredericksburg. 

2 "Annie," Mrs. Hays. 



242 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

The war was young yet and the delight of the colonel in 
his regiment he had drilled so long and sedulously was but 
natural. One can smile at his exuberance and forgive, espe- 
cially when one knows the story of the "Red Patch." 

General Kearney, in his ofhcial report of the Battle of 
Nelson's Farm, or Glendale,^ June 30, 1862, says : 

"At 4 o'clock P. M. the attack commenced with vigor, 
and in such masses as I had never witnessed. Thompson's 
Battery, directed with great skill, literally swept the slightly 
falling open space with the completest execution, and mowing 
them down by ranks, would cause the survivors to a momen- 
tary halt, but almost instantly after increased masses came up 
and the wave bore on. These masses coming up with a rapid 
run, covering the entire breadth of the open ground, some 200 
paces, would alone be checked in their career by the gaps of 
the fallen. Still no retreat, and again a fresh mass would 
carry on the approaching line still nearer. If there was one 
man in this attack there must have been 10,000, and their loss 
by artillery, although borne with such fortitude, must have 
been unusual. It was by scores, with the irrepressibility of 
numbers, on they persisted. The artillery, destructive as it 
was, ceased to be a calculation. It was then that Colonel 
Alexander Hays, with the 63rd Pennsylvania, and half of the 
37th New York, was moved forward to the line of the guns. 
I have here to call the attention of my superior chiefs to this 
most heroic action on the part of Colonel Hays and his regi- 
ment. The 63rd has won for Pennsylvania the laurels of 
fame. That which grape and canister failed in effecting, was 
now accomplished by the determined charge and rapid volleys 
of this foot. The enemy, at the muzzle of our guns for the 
first time, sulkily retired fighting. Subsequently ground hav- 
ing been gained the 63rd Pennsylvania was ordered to 'lie low,' 
and the battery once more opened its ceaseless work of 
destruction. - 

"This battle saw renewed three onsets as above, with 
similar vicissitudes, when finally the enemy betokened his 
efforts as passed, by converting his charges into ordinary line 
fight of musketry, embracing the whole front of the brigade, 
for by this period he was enabled to do so from Thompson's 
pieces having left the field, after expending their grape, and 
become tired of the futility of round shot." 

General Berry, in a letter to Colonel Hays, says : 

1 The fifth of the Seven Days Battles, officially known as White 
Oak Swamp, called also Glendale, Nelson's Farm, Charles City Cross 
Roads, Frazier's Farm, Turkey Bend, and New Market Cross 
Roads, Va. 

2 "The Peninsular Campaign," A. S. Webb, P. 147. 



The Peninsular Campaign 243 

"Headquarters Third Brigade, July ii, 1862. 

"Sir : — It affords me great pleasure to address you at this 
time, particularly on the subject matter of the battle of Nel- 
son's Farm, or Charles City, as it is sometimes called. I had 
the honor to command the reserve brigade of our division. I 
was ordered by General Kearney to hold myself and command 
ready at all times to render aid to the First and Second Bri- 
gades. This being so, I watched the movements of the enemy 
and our own men with the most intense interest. You, sir, 
and your brave men were placed near to and ordered to sup- 
port Thompson's Battery. Never was work better done or 
battery better supported, and it is a great pleasure to me to 
be able to say it, and it is also my duty to say it, that I have 
not in my career in military life seen better fighting or a work 
better done. I should fear to try to do better with any troops 
I have ever seen. *Tis enough to say your fighting was a 
perfect success. 

"Allow me, my brave friend, to tender to you my con- 
gratulations for honors won on many fields, particularly this 
one named here, and to assvire you of my kind regards for your 
health, happiness and prosperity in life. I am sir, with much 
respect, 

"Your friend and servant, 

"H. G. Berry, 
"Brig.-Gen. Vols." 
"Colonel Alexander Hays, 

"63rd Regiment, Penna. Vols." 

General Sumner says of this battle that it was "the most 
severe action since the Battle of Fair Oaks," and General 
Heintzelman, in his official report, states that "the attack com- 
menced at 4 P. M. and was pushed by heavy masses with the 
utmost determination and vigor. The whole open space, 200 
paces wide, was filled with the enemy — each repulse brought 
fresh troops. The third attack was only repulsed by the rapid 
volleys and determined charge of the 63rd Pennsylvania Vol- 
unteers, Colonel Hays commanding." 

OFFICIAL REPORT OF COLONEL ALEXANDER HAYS 
COMMANDING 6 3RD PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS 

"In Camp Near Richmond, Va., June 28th, 1862. 

"Capt. C. H. Potter, 
"Asst. Adj't Gen'l, 

"Sir : — I have the honor to report the results of the skirm- 
ish with the enemy's forces on the 25th inst. I was ordered 
with my regiment to deploy in front of Robinson's redan. 



244 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



Soon after passing our picket line we fell in with the advanced 
pickets of the enemy, who at once retreated. The ground was 
passed over in quick time, with occasional exchange of shots, 
for the distance of a mile and a quarter. Here we were opposed 
determinedly by the 4th Georgia, but after a brisk and spirited 
contest, they gave up the ground. 

"Our loss, though light, considering the extent of the 
action, I regret to enumerate one commissioned officer and 
three privates killed; 13 rank and file vv'ounded. 

"Respectfully submitted 

"Alexander Hays, 
"Col. 63rd Regt., Pa. Vols." 

OFFICIAL REPORT OF COLONEL ALEXANDER HAYS 
COMMANDING 63RD AND 57TH REGIMENTS, PENNSYLVANIA 

VOLUNTEERS 

"In Camp, Near Westover, Va., July 4th, 1862. 

"Assistant Adjt. General, 

"First Brigade, First Division, Third Corps, 
"Sir: 

"I have the honor to furnish the following statement of 
the movements of the 63rd and 57th regiments, Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, which combined I had the honor to command 
on the 1st inst. 

"After undergoing a severe shelling from the enemy's 
batteries for several hours, in which the 63rd lost two men 
wounded, and the 57th one non-commissioned killed, and 
eight non-commissioned officers and privates wounded. The 
63rd, 57th Pennsylvania and 87th Regiment, New York Vol- 
unteers, Lieut. -Colonel Bachia were detached from the brigade 
and ordered to support Couch's division. 

"Under instructions from Brig.-General Kearney, to act 
at discretion, we successfully supported a battery from 
Couch's division, also later in the evening Capt. De Russey's 
Battery, Fourth U. S. Artillery, until his ammunition was 
exhausted. During the night strict guard was kept by the 
command. At daylight, discovering that Couch's and Kear- 
ney's divisions had been withdrawn, I fell back to the camp 
of the day before, one mile in rear. 

"Here I received a request from Colonel Averill of the 
cavalry, to prepare certain government wagons for burning, 
which was done, and the command afterwards marched to 
join the division at this point. 

"In the support of De Russey's Battery the 63rd lost 
two privates, disabled, and no other casualties, although we 
were exposed to the enemy's shot. 

"I cannot let the occassion pass without noticing the 



The Peninsular Campaign 245 



conduct of all connected with the attack, the management 
of the battery firing throughout and in perfect regularity. 

"I refer to the report of Colonel Bachia for particulars 
relative to the 87th New York." 

DR. GEORGE S. WHITESELL 

Mrs. Margaret Price, now a resident of former Allegheny, 
and a daughter of Dr. Whitesell, furnishes the short biography 
of her revered father : 

"Dr. George S. Whitesell was born near Perrysville, Alle- 
gheny County, Pennsylvania, in 1820. Received his education 
in a country school and the Western University of Pennsyl- 
vania and later studied medicine with Dr. John Dickson of 
Pittsburgh, and graduated from the medical department. Uni- 
versity of New York. He and Alexander Hays were good 
friends, and when the Civil War broke out and Colonel Hays 
organized the 63rd Regiment, Dr. Whitesell organized and 
helped to equip a company. He studied tactics and drilled the 
men. The men enlisted in this company were from Fairview 
[now Montrose], Harmarville and Springdale, Allegheny 
County, and were all from families for whom he was physician. 
He had met with an accident two years before and on this 
account was unable to stand the fatigue of marching, so could 
not go with the company. William S. Kirkwood was elected 
captain and the company was enrolled as Company B of the 
63rd Regiment. Dr. Whitesell, in company with J. Herron 
Foster of the Pittsburgh 'Dispatch,' made a visit to Colonel 
Hays when the 63rd was in camp near Washington and prom- 
ised the colonel, if he needed him at any time, he would go 
as a surgeon. 

''The 63rd Regiment went into the Seven Day's Battle 
without a surgeon, and Colonel Hays telegraphed Dr. White- 
sell : 'For God's sake come at once.' He started and upon 
reaching the field, worked day and night. He established a 
field hospital and cared for his men. Colonel Hays furnished 
him with a horse, orderly and tent. 

"I think it was July i8th that 150 of his men were put 
on a transport and then Dr. Whitesell was laid on a stretcher 
and carried aboard a boat. They were taken to Harrison's 
Landing on the James River, where the Harrison home was 
being used for a hospital. Colonel Hays sent word to General 
McClellan, and everything that could be done was done, but 
Dr. Whitesell died Monday, July 21st, 1862. His body was 
sent home in care of Dr. James Herron of Allegheny, who had 
been at Fortress Monroe and gone to Harrison's Landing. 
The oflficers and men of Company B of the 63rd Regiment 
raised money from their scanty pay and erected a tombstone 



246 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



for the doctor, which was selected by Mr. John B. McFadden. 
The inscription which it bears was written by Colonel Alex- 
ander Hays, and is as follows : 

" 'He died a patriot for his country's cause, a 
martyr to his profession, while caring for the sick and 
wounded of the 63rd Pennsylvania Volunteers. To 
commemorate one who sacrificed his life in relieving 
their sick and wounded.' " 

The doctor's remains were interred in Uniondale Ceme- 
tery, Pittsburgh. A widow, who survived until January 28, 
1905, and two daughters were bereft of a loving husband and 
father. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

LETTERS FROM THE FIELD 
HARRISON'S LANDING TO SECOND BULL RUN 

JULY 3, 1862, found McClellan's battered army at Har- 
rison's Landing on the James River, and at a new base 
of supplies ; here the commander-in-chief of the great 
army promptly held a grand review, and Richmond was not 
trembling now. Colonel Alexander Hays continues his letters. 
He thinks ever of home, he must write. When he cannot 
write, "Billy" McGranahan or Adjutant George P. Corts write 
for him, and they write well. 

In the inspection of the letters which Colonel Hays wrote, 
there comes an involuntary admiration which springs up 
instantly. Their legibility, the beautiful penmanship, and the 
breath of life that is in them are certainly characteristic of 
the writer. These letters, as those from the Peninsula, some- 
times written under the most discouraging circumstances, are 
full of devotion. The husband and father is never unmindful 
of his loved ones. He continues to give the most interesting 
news of the camp and field, and the very news those at home 
want to know. There came a day when the faithful "Billy" 
and the brave Kirkwood fell in battle, and their colonel knows 
them no more forever, but their memories were certainly 
sweet. Colonel Hays, wherever it is necessary, calls a spade 
a spade, and never hesitates. Corts, his efficient adjutant, 
also speaks out. He is fearless, too, and May 5, 1864, on the 
day his chief falls, George P. Corts goes down on the battle 
line on the Brock Road, and his services are ended by reason 
of his grievous wounds. 

Dr. George S. Whitesell, a friend of Company B, 63rd 
Regiment, whose home was at Deer Creek, now Harmarville, 
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, comes to the 63rd Regiment 
a volunteer surgeon in an hour of need, and the colonel in 
command appreciates this kindness and humanity, for the regi- 

247 



248 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

ment was practically without a medical staff. Alas ! for the 
kindness and devotion of the good Doctor Whitesell ; he fell 
a victim to disease himself, and in the language of Colonel 
Hays, "goes home a corpse." Somewhat later the gallant 63rd 
gets competent surgeons and these men, true and good, remain 
until the 63rd is mustered out by reason of its term of three 
years having expired. 

Looking back more than 50 years to the conditions exist- 
ing at the close of the Peninsula campaign, one is yet appalled 
at the destruction, not alone of life, but of munitions of war — 
wagons, commissary and medical stores, and everything that 
goes to make up the impedimenta of a vast army in the field. 
The poison of the swamps had rendered signal and efficient 
service to the foe where their valor failed, and to this day 
the word, Chickahominy, is a horror. 

The letter joined in by Generals Birney, Berry and Robin- 
son and sent President Lincoln, was a deserved and effective 
instrument. These men were Colonel Hays' friends — they 
knew and appreciated him and wanted to see him rise. Birney 
and Berry were volunteer generals. Birney died October 18. 
1864, at his home in Philadelphia. He was the son of the 
great abolitionist, James G. Birney, and a native of Alabama. 
General Berry fell at Chancellorsville, and Robinson, a West 
Pointer, 1835-1838, who served in the Mexican War and 
attained the rank of major-general in the Civil War, has had 
his history written in that of Robinson's division of the First 
and Fifth Corps of the Army of the Potomac — soldiers all 
three.^ they could appreciate Alexander Hays as only soldiers 
can. 

Colonel Hays throughout shows great loyalty and faith 
in George B. McClellan, "Little Mac," the first great organizer 
of the Army of the Potomac, its idol and leader, and the source 
of volumes of history. He was no stranger to Alexander 
Hays ; as will have been seen, General McClellan was two 
years at West Point with Alexander Hays, graduating No. 2 
in the class of 1846, two years after Colonel Hays' graduation. 
The sincerity of the colonel's letters show that he believed in 
"Little Mac" and, with 90 per cent of the Army of the 
Potomac, regarded him as an ideal commander. 

1 John C. Robinson, brigadier-general commanding Second 
Division, First Corps at Gettysburg, was an old comrade of General 
Alexander Hays in Mexico, having served in the Fifth Infantry. 



Harrison's Landing to Second Bull Run 249 



W. M. McGRANAHAN TO MRS. HAYS 

"Bivouac of the 63rd Penna. Volunteers, 

"Four Miles From James River, 

<.AT Tj "July 5th, 1862. 

Mrs. Hays, j ^ j > 

"Dear Madam : 

"After lengthened, rapid and fatiguing marches, sundry 
desperate fights and fearful exposures, we are at last at a 
place of rest. Here in a beautiful wood, some three or four 
miles from James River, we have been since the afternoon 
of July 3rd, spending the 'Glorious Fourth' in making up 
reports of late battles. [I enclose copies of three of the reports 
written by Colonel Hays.] 

"Only ourselves know what we have suffered in this grand 
change in the base of military operations. [Modification of 
'hasty retreat.'] We were notified on the evening of June 
28th that a general move of the entire army would take place 
next day, and appearance indicated that it would not be a 
'forward' one, so we were in a measure prepared to 'fall back,' 
and report said that our final stand would be made at James 
River. Shortly after daylight on the 29th the move com- 
menced, and our brigade fell back to the second line of rifle 
pits and redouts, held by us on the night of the Fair Oaks 
battle. May 31. At noon our regiment was sent on picket 
to the front, some three quarters of a mile, to watch and retard 
the advance of the Rebel scouts and outposts. It was after 
3 o'clock before we were withdrawn. All this time the retreat 
was going on, and as our division [Kearney's], had not moved 
it became generally known that we were the rear guard, and 
would cover the retreat — a dangerous and honorable position 
— one which would cover us with glory, if we performed our 
work well, and I am happy to say, now that the work is over, 
that we have the glory, and the beauty of it is, it is conceded 
by the entire eastern division, that to the 63rd belongs the 
laurels of the fight of the 30th, 'The Battle of Nelson's Farm.' 

"General Kearney is loud in his praises of the colonel and 
his regiment, and General Berry, commanding a brigade in 
Kearney's division, declares he never saw a regiment behave 
so coolly under fire, or deliver more deliberate volleys of mus- 
ketry into an enemy. The 63rd has won a lasting fame, but 
at a sacrifice of many of its brave members. 

"Our loss on the 30th was 11 killed, 64 wounded and 23 
missing, the greater part of the missing is supposed to be 
killed, or badly wounded and prisoners. 

"Yesterday regimental bands played all day, and national 
salutes were fired in every division. General McClellan rode 
through the entire army, and at each corps headquarters, a 
major-general's salute was fired. The demonstration sounded 
little like the enemy were lying in force scarcely one mile and 
a half from us. 



250 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"We have much to do, Mrs. Hays, for these battles and 
losses give us work, and I cannot devote the time I would 
wish to this communication ; however, let the copies of the 
colonel's reports, which I send, make up for my short letter. 

"The colonel is well today and lively as a cricket, but I 
guess he is writing you himself. 

"Our regiment is coming up wonderfully. From 150, the 
number present July ist, we have increased to 400. Soon we 
hope to have the 63rd almost up to the old Camp Johnston 
standard. 

"We have a Pittsburgh volunteer surgeon attending our 
regiment now — Dr. Whitesell — a splendid man, and one that 
is doing more for our men than any surgeon we ever had. 

"With best wishes for yourself and family, I am 

"Yours most respectfully, 
"Wm. M. McGranahan." 

After the battle of Nelson's farm. General Kearney saluted 
Colonel Hays and said : "Colonel, you and your men did 
nobly, and as soon as we go into permanent camp your men 
shall be excused from all duty, except your own camp guard, 
for 30 days ; I shall see that they get it." 

After the arrival at Harrison's Landing, he kept his word 
and the men of the 63rd had nothing to do but police duty, 
swim and bathe in the James River, and eat "soft bread" with 
plenty of butter, jelly, jams and other good things too numer- 
ous to mention. The regiment remained at Harrison's Land- 
ing from July 2nd to August 13th, and during that time the 
63rd was not called upon to do any extra duty. General 
Kearney was always friendly to the regiment, and was the 
boon companion and intimate friend of Colonel Hays. 

This is one of the few cases on record during the war 
where a regiment received such a compliment, especially from 
such a stern disciplinarian as General Kearney. 

ARMY CORRESPONDENCE 

"Camp Near James River, Va., July 12th, 1862. 
"63rd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
"Dear Post : 

"Croakers are an incubus on society at any time, but in 
these perilous times a diabolical curse to the cause — the noble, 
worthy and prosperous cause — in which we are now engaged. 
Why is it that the whole American people, but particularly 
those who have near and dear friends in the Potomac Army, 
should get the 'blues' over the late temporary reverse in front 



Harrison's Landing to Second Bull Run 251 



of Richmond? And why should the New York Herald and 
Tribune, in their distorted imagery, see such a train of evil 
consequences to follow? 'McClellan's army will be cut to 
pieces or driven from the Peninsula in two weeks time.' — 'The 
war will be prolonged one year longer.' — 'European interven- 
tion immediately.' — 'Important changes must take place in the 
cabinet.' — 'A new campaign must be devised.' Such are some 
of the soured and dyspeptic sentiments given to the people 
through the editorial columns of the leading journals of the 
nation, and such the palatable food dished out to the semi- 
loyal and secret traitors who still infest the North. You may 
easily imagine how cheering it must be to those who have left 
homes of comfort, enlisted for three years or 'during,' and 
risked our all in a week's hard fighting, and expecting re-en- 
counters every day, to read from the editorial columns of the 
Herald, in an article headed 'Past and Future,' sentiments like 
the following: 'Numerically stronger than the Rebels, pos- 
sessing unbounded resources of money and appliances of war, 
as well as exclusive command of the seaboard, we yet, at the 
close of the first twelve months of the campaign, find our- 
selves not only as far from the object with which we com- 
menced it, but actually doubtful whether we can hold our own.' 
Such sickly croaking would be disheartening did we not read 
the papers and know better. Does the opening of the Missis- 
sippi to unmolested navigation count nothing for the last 
twelve months' work in suppressing the rebellion? Does the 
opening of New Orleans and other important ports to the 
commerce of Europe count nothing? Do all the splendid vic- 
tories in the West and Southwest, the recovery of Missouri, 
Kentucky and most of Tennessee count nothing? Does the 
almost entire possession of the Atlantic coast count nothing? 
Nothing the 'skedaddle' from Yorktown and Corinth? Nothing 
the possession of Norfolk and the destruction of the Merrimac? 
And all this because of an imaginary reverse, while the devel- 
opment of plans as yet concealed from these pigmatic alarm- 
ists may prove General McClellan's late change of position 
gigantic with military wusdom. 

"But it was my intention to be more personal, and to 
correct the false reports that have gone home, through civil- 
ians and faint-hearted soldiers as to the condition of the 
Potomac Army. The sanitary condition of our army is quite 
as good as could be expected, much better than has been 
reported in Western Pennsylvania, and vastly improved since 
we left the swamps on the east front of Richmond. The 
healthy locality we now occupy, the good advantages we have 
for necessary supplies, the fine opportunity for bathing, and 
the addition that has been made to the medical department by 
quite a number of efficient and generous volunteer surgeons, 
all conduce to the speedy restoration of our gallant army to its 
wonted vigor and activity. I speak advisedly when I say that 



252 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



the army is in good spirits, and not dejected and discouraged 
at late events that have transpired here. 

"Our late move is regarded by the rank and file as one of 
'George's' [as they call him J moves that will bring us into 
Richmond more speedily and with less loss than of forcing 
our way through the Chickahominy swamps. Their confidence 
in General McClellan is, if possible, increased by the events 
since the 27th. The enthusiasm for him now, as he rides along 
the lines, amounts to wildness. On the last day of the retreat, 
when we fell back upon Malvern Heights, I saw him fre- 
quently riding back and forth, in undress uniform, without 
any of his staff, along the road, knee-deep with mud, encour- 
aging and speaking kind words to the sick and wounded, who 
were making good their escape from a pursuing foe. When 
he would meet one man he would speak kindly to him and 
move his horse far enough from him to keep from splashing 
him with mud ; when he would meet a number together he 
would stop and enter into some pleasant conversation with 
them : 'Only a mile further, boys, and you will get a week's 
rest ;' 'push along a little further and make your coffee ;' 'where 
are you wounded, my brave fellow?' 'In the left shoulder, 
general.' 'Well, try and make your way a half mile further 
to the hospital and get your wounds dressed.' We have un- 
bounded confidence in our commanding general, and have 
little in common with those professed loyalists who so assidu- 
ously endeavor to put enmity between him and his command, 
or him and the departments of the government. I was much 
gratified to see the earnest support he gets from the Post, 
and particularly in the leading editorial of the 8th, in which 
the whining Gazette receives such a pertinent rebuke. When 
we are in triumphant possession of the Rebel capital as the 
result of his generalship, you will see this class of journals, 
headed by the New York Tribune, cowardly creeping back to 
his support as though they had never opposed him — 'didn't 
we tell you he was a great man ?' 

"Our present position is one of perfect safety, though we 
are at present not pretending to be investing Richmond, but 
only recruiting for an early, irresistible move in that quarter. 
Our line of battle is only between five and six miles long, 
instead of sixteen, as it was on the Chickahominy, thus making 
it more compact, and with the assistance of our breastworks, 
impregnable. The left fiank rests, I believe, on the James 
River, and the right flank is, as well as most of the right wing, 
protected by almost impassable swamps. The river above 
Harrison's landing takes an eastward turn, so that our gun- 
boats could command the entire rear of the enemy should he 
be so presumptuous as to attack us. 

"In the late week of fearful battles, Pennsylvania troops 
have done the old Keystone State the highest credit. Our 
own — the 63rd — commanded by the well-known soldier and 



Harrison's Landing to Second Bull Run 255 

warrior, Colonel Alexander Hays, is in for its full share. But 
I prefer letting others, disinterested and high in command, 
speak for us. 

"In the battle of the 30th, called Nelson's Farm, we were 
assigned to the support of Thompson's Battery, of our 
[Kearney's] division, and during the light we made three 
desperate charges upon the enemy, who made fierce efforts 
to capture the battery, in the last of which we caused them to 
skedaddle, severely punished. Our loss was 125, in killed, 
wounded, and missing — not as heavy as at Fair Oaks. 

"Lieut. Bagaley, of your city, while gallantly leading his 
company into a charge, was so seriously wounded in the right 
arm that it had to be amputated. He is probably now in 
Richmond. His friends may well be proud of him. He is a 
good officer and a brave soldier. 

"Adjt. George P. Corts, during the Fair Oaks battle, was 
slightly disabled by being struck by a piece of shell ; but in 
both instances, irrepressible and indefatigable as he is, he was 
on duty the next day. He, too, is a most efficient officer, and 
full of fight. Our casualties in officers were much less than 
at other engagements. On the first Tuesday we also sup- 
ported a battery, but, it not being attacked, were not immedi- 
ately engaged. Others will speak for our gallant colonel in 
the accompanying documents I send you, and although his 
reputation is so well known in Pittsburgh as to need no com- 
mendation at my hands, yet I feel it due to him to say that 
the dauntless, yet cautious and skillful manner in which he 
handled his regiment in the support of Thompson's Battery, 
in Monday's action, has elicited the praise of all who were 
witnesses of or participants in the gallant affair. 

"The President's moonlight review of our army had a 
most happy effect. Many saw their executive and commander- 
in-chief for the first time. He passed along the lines with hat 
in hand, followed by General McClellan and the three corps 
commanders, in order of their rank, accompanied by their 
respective staffs. General McClellan's Fourth of July address 
to the troops of his command had an electric effect on the 
rank and file. Drs. G. S. Whitesell of Harmarville, and J. M. 
Smith of Temperanceville, have volunteered their services to 
our regiment and are now at work in earnest among our sick. 
Their coming at this time was opportune and merciful, as we 
had no surgeons at all, and many sick and some wounded that 
could not be sent away. Their intercourse with the regiment 
thus far is happy. Our regimental hospital is already thinning 
out and the different companies filling in the same proportion. 
The great scarcity of medicines is now the greatest drawback 
to their doing much good among our sick. Dr. Whitesell has 
made five requisitions within two days but has got nothing.- 
We are entirely out of medicines. 

"Pittsburgher." 



254 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

The correspondent here is not now known, but he was a 
soldier of the 63rd Regiment, and the letter was printed in 
"The Pittsburgh Daily Post" of July 26, 1862, two weeks after 
written. In the original, italic letters are strongly in evidence, 
whole lines being printed in that type, and following the cus- 
tom in the typography of the day, titles are also italicized, 
which rule applied to names of newspapers as well, and it will 
be noted that the correspondent pays his respects to papers 
not to his liking, in no gentle terms. Altogether, the letter 
gives a fair idea of the feelings dominant at the time, and some 
evidence of the rancorous politics of the whole war period. 
The reference to Alexander Hays was only a typical one of 
the many published at the time, and all of the same tenor — 
"creditable, meritorious and gallant" — these were the ideas 
always to be conveyed in such references. The status of the 
Army of the Potomac can be rightfully conjectured from this 
letter, and the history of the movements and the hopes and 
expectations of the army are entered into at length. 

Thompson's Battery spoken of, was not the celebrated 
battery commanded by Capt. James Thompson of Pittsburgh 
and recruited there, ofifiicially known as "Battery C, Independ- 
ent Pennsylvania Artillery." This Pittsburgh battery was 
then serving in General Rickett's division of AIcDowell's corps 
in the army under General John Pope in the operations south 
of the Rappahannock. The rosters of the army show that 
the battery in action at Nelson's Farm was Battery G, Second 
United States Artillery. 



ALEXANDER HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Fortress Monroe, July 22nd, 1862. 
"Dear Sir: 

"This is the first opportunity I have had of writing. I 
have been to Yorktown and returned so far. I go tonight to 
Aquia Creek, or perhaps to \Vashington. 

"Will write as soon as I know anything definite. Exciting 
rumors are abroad, but you will hear them. 

"I am in excellent health. Love to all. 



'Yours, 



"Alex Hays. 



Harrison's Landing to Second Bull Run 255 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Whitesell, Near Harrison's Landing, Va., 

"July 25th, 1862. 

"Dearest Wife : 

"Within a very short time I expect to receive our daily 
mail, and with it at least one letter from home. It is well 
hope is eternal, otherwise I would be in despair. I received 
the last letter from you dated June loth, and one from your 
father dated 15th, by the hands of cousin 'Jim' McFadden. 
Excepting one very short note from J. B. McF., Jr., this is 
all I have received since 'the memory of man runneth not 
to the contrary.' This, too, at a time when above and beyond 
all others, it would have been a relief to have heard from you 
daily, as was almost the rule. 

"I have written home and sent home all I believe might 
interest you, up to the arrival of the army on the banks of 
the James River. I have written since frequently, but fate 
appeared adverse — several times by citizens, in whose hands 
I know letters miscarried. Most lately, by our unfortunate 
friend. Dr. Whitesell. The doctor came to us in our hour of 
need, and if he had been the 'Angel of Charity' himself, the 
visit could not have been more acceptable. At a time when 
all medical and surgical aid had deserted us — in our most 
trying hour of need, he came, as a volunteer. His presence 
and council revived the drooping spirits of my men, but he 
overdid his duty and has been returned to his family a corpse. 

"For some time past [10 days] I myself have been pros- 
trated by sickness, but thanks again to the kind Providence, 
which has so often brought me through 'the dark valley and 
shadow,' I am again among the hearty convalescents. I 
believe I was the last man in the Army of the Potomac to 
give in, but the exposures, fatigues and excitements of the 
'times before Richmond,' were too much for even me. The 
miasmatic influences of the swamps had pervaded my whole 
system, and superinduced a return of neuralgia, this time with 
more serious effect. Eyesight was not only affected, but for 
a time, I feared the whole right side of my body would be 
paralyzed. Intense pains racked my limbs, and diarrhoea also 
to consummate my miseries. Thank God, I am now free from 
all dregs of disease, and again feel as hearty and active as a 
stripling. I am still weak, for I have lost 50 pounds of my 
weight — only weighing 150 pounds, and my clothes hang upon 
me 'like a shirt upon a bean pole.' But never mind, I can 
soon make it, for I have the appetitie of a hippopotamus, and 
we have abundance to eat, both in quantity and quality. Corts 
and I are keeping house together, in fact, there is scarcely 
anybody else in the regiment left to associate with. George 



256 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



and Henry ^ are still 'true and trusty.' Poor little George 
followed me into the battle at Nelson's Farm until I was con- 
cealed from him by smoke. He waited patiently until night 
fell, and then he gave me up for dead. His grief is represented 
by friends to have been terrible, and he would not be com- 
forted. I did not see him for three days afterwards and if 
you ever saw a spaniel fawn upon a lost master, you have a 
picture of George. Henry is more philosophic, though not 
less devoted. He takes care of the horses and grub, but is 
always on hand when most wanted. 

"I have written to you, your father and others so many 
details, that I need add nothing more now. I have sent you 
my own as well as General Kearney's official reports, and I 
now send you 'the original' of a private letter to me, intended, 
as the author says, for 'public uses,' from General Berry [a 
particular friend of General Jameson's]. I send you the orig- 
inal for I consider it invaluable. Keep it for my boys, and tell 
them it is the spontaneous outpouring of a soldier's heart, one 
w^ho is no dirty politician. 

"There is no question, dear wife, here in the army, of 
'who is who,' and I really shrink, as a knight of 'olden time,' 
from even a newspaper tilt with the material of which modern 
brigadier generals are made. One thing is certain, however, 
I have won it, and it is imiversally admitted. Where now is 
your petition from the most respectable and influential men 
of Pittsburgh? Secretary Stanton can find it in one of the 
pigeon holes of his department. But never mind, I will give 
them another proof, and cravens who write so glibly now, will 
be ordered to stand aside while the ball is going on. 

"Day before yesterday the regiment was ordered out for 
a 'grand review' for General McClellan. I did not feel able 
to sit upon my horse, and declined to go, until I saw the regi- 
ment paraded without an officer competent to command it. 
I could not stand it, and ordered 'Leet.' It was a severe trial, 
but I got through it none the better, however. 

"When McClellan came to my command with Kearney, 
he halted, and asked me why I had not been to see him? 
Pressed me to do so and, as his stafT passed I was saluted by 
all kinds of 'old familiar epithets.' 'Leet' had not been ridden 
for two weeks and was putting on his extra airs. I promised 
to come and see them all when I get well, and I intend to do 
so now, as "Little Mac' is no longer the commander-in-chief. 
Heintzelman was there and smiled, or rather out-smiled an 
Egyptian stone god, but as we meet often his smiles don't 
count. 

"We are now encamped two or three miles from James 
River. The men are fast recuperating health, strength and 

1 The kind heart of Alexander Hays goes out even to his colored 
servants. 



Harrison's Landing to Second Bull Run 257 



spirits. I will write you particulars of those for whom you 
inquire in the morning. 

"This sheet will be all I write connectedly, as it is now 
late, and tomorrow I will merely jot down memoranda. 

"After the terrible ordeal [not terrible to me, for I con- 
fess it is my nature], but the wear and tear with the excite- 
ment which I have gone through, it requires time for both 
mind and body to resume their balance. Mentally I am per- 
fectly rested, and physically, although yet weak and exhausted, 
I believe I have passed the ordeal of acclimation. Virginians 
themselves are afraid of these swamps, and I now can defy 
even all the 'First Families.' 

"Daily the 'family picture gallery' is on exhibition. All 
admire, and I sit by and pride myself, when they praise our 
dear little ones, but when anyone ventures upon a criticism 
of the 'mater familias,' I tell them to beware, for the ground 
on which they tread is sacred. I believe there are fools 
enough in the army to aspire to your hand if I was out of the 
way, notwithstanding so many small incumbrances. God 
bless you, dearest, my dream in sleep, and my anchor of hope 
when waking. 

CONTINUATION OF LETTER OF JULY 25. 

"5 o'clock A. M., July 26th, 1862. 

"It is again morning — an hour ago the bugles sounded 
reveille, although the camp is yet quiet as a country village. 
The greater portion of the regiment is 'out on picquet,' and 
those in camp are convalescent sick and fatigue men, whom 
I do not wish to deprive of an extra nap. This gives me 
opportunity to extend my letter. 

"You inquire of many, but at home you know more of 
our sick and wounded than we do ourselves. Capt. Bagaley 
has gone home minus an arm. Won't Theodore be a hero! 
Say for me to all that he is a true one. 

"Young Davis is reported to be wounded and in Phila- 
delphia. David Lynch is with the regiment and is well.^ 

"Tomorrow I will send a long letter to your father, as I 
have much to say about matters and things in general. 

"Hereafter send all letters and packages either by mail or 
express, as it is the safest and surest method. 

"This will be delivered to you by your afifectionate 
nephew, Sam Hays, who returns from the army. Sam has 
made some money and deserves credit for his remembrance 
of his mother, as he intends to devote his means to build her 
a home. I am now free of Sam, having, I believe, done my 
duty as far as possible to the son of brother Dave of blessed 
memory. 

1 William Davis of Company K, subsequently killed in battle, 
and David Lynch of Company E, in regard to whom inquiries seem 
to have been justified as he is marked, "Deserted August 29, 1862," 
on records, 63 rd Regiment. 



258 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"I scut you a small draft on the treasury at New York 
for $250, as you have not lately asked me for any, I suppose 
you have many plans, hut this .-uldition will not damage ytnir 
plans. 

"Now dearest, my love to mother, Rachel, 'Maq' and Kate, 
and all the collateral hranchcs of 104 Tenn Street. A thousand 
kisses and i)rayers for all the little llayses and inexpressihle 
love for yourself. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

This is a thoroughly characteristic letter and the first 
the colonel penned himself for a month, for an excellent rea- 
son, as he stated — sickness, and undoubtedly prostrating. 
However, faithful "Hilly" McGranahan has kept the folks at 
home posted, and has not alarmed them, either. When it is 
known that the colonel was six feet in height, his references 
to his weight and the fit of his clothes will furnish an ade- 
quate idea of how prostrating his illness was. Colonel Hays 
shows his appreciation of the letter General Berry wrote him, 
and asks for its preservation, and his recpiest has been most 
religiously granted by the boys who fully share that apprecia- 
tion. This letter was published in the "Pittsburgh Daily 
Post" of July 26, i8(>2. and it must not be forgotten that 
Hiram G. luMiy oi Rocklaiul. Me., carpenter, navigator, law- 
maker, mayor of his native city, soldier and patriot, colonel 
of the l*\nn'th Maine Infantry, and major-general, U. S. vol- 
unteers, went down as the hoatl oi his tlivision, the Second of 
the Third Corps, in the crisis at Chancellorsville. one year and 
two days before his friend. Hrigadier-Cicncral Alexander Hays, 
met with the same fate in the Wilderness, but a mile or so 
tlistanl. \\ lion Ucrry fell, his friend. Alexander Hays' friend, 
Charles H. JamcsiMi, also of Maine, Hays' first brigadier, was 
also dead, and the date of his death is November 6, 1862. 

McClellan's halting with Kearney and his inquiries why 
Alexander Hays had not been to see him, and Heintzelman's 
smile, are referred to in the inimitable Hays vein, and the 
colonel was clearly in touch with the great mass of the army 
in admiration of and loyalty to his commander-in-chief; and 
nowhere in any letter is there a single word of animadversion 
on "Little Mac." Samuel P. Heintzelman, a Pennsylvanian, 
then in command of the Third Corps, was a comparatively 
oUl man in 1862, having been born in 1805, and graduated from 



Harrison's Landing to Second Bull Run 259 

West Point in 1826. He was a captain in Mexico, serving in 
the Second Infantry, and was brevetted major for gallantry 
at the combat of Huamantla, in which combat Alexander Hays 
was also engaged, as told in a foregoing page. 

W. M. McGRANAHAN TO MRS. HAYS 

"Headquarters 63rd P. V., Camp Near James River, Va., 

.<Tv/r TT "July 29, 1862. 

Mrs. Hays, j j j^ 

"Dear Madam : 

"As this is a purely business letter, and I wish to get it 
ofif by this morning's mail, I must be brief. Somehow or other 
we have mislaid the 'originals' of the colonel's reports of the 
engagements of June 25th and July ist. June 30th I have, all 
right, but the others I cannot find. 

"Now, Mrs. Hays, would you do me [us] the favor to 
return the copies of those reports I sent you [June 25th and 
July 1st] and if you wish to keep them after copying I will 
return them to you again. It is absolutely necessary we 
should have those statements to complete the records of the 
regiment, and we cannot get them without sending to head- 
quarters, Army of the Potomac, whither copies were for- 
warded. 

"Nothing of importance has transpired in camp recently. 
'All quiet along the lines,' and we are now occupied as when 
at Camp Johnston, drilling, reviewing, inspecting, parading, 
etc. It seems like old times, but we miss so many familiar 
faces that now lie deep in the 'sacred soil,' inhabit the walls 
of a Richmond tobacco prison, or swelter in the close 
atmosphere of some hospital. Ah, Mrs. Hays, the 63rd is 
not the 63rd you left last winter. That long line of well- 
equipped and neatly uniformed men has been lessened dread- 
fully, and of the 1046 originally forming the gallant 63rd, only 
530 are now with us. Such is life! Such are the fruits of 
this wicked and most unholy war. If our loss is a fair average 
of the balance of McClellan's army, the reduction in his forces 
by killed, died of disease, missing in action, absent in hospitals, 
sick and wounded, must have been tremendous. 

"The colonel has not been well for some days past, but 
is better today. 

"Mr. McFadden was kind enough to mention me in one 
of his letters to the colonel, and complimented me highly on 
my letter writing. Please present my kindest regards to Mr. 
McF., and remember me to Corts' friend, James B. McFadden. 
With great respect and best wishes for yourself and family, 
I am, truly, 

"Wm. M. McGranahan, 

"Sergeant Major, 63rd P. V." 



260 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



GENERAL HEINTZELMAN TO GOVERNOR CURTIN 

"Headquarters Third Corps, Army of the Potomac, 

''Camp Near Harrison's Bar, Va., July 30, 1862. 

"To His Excellency, A. G. Curtin, 

"Governor of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, 

"Governor: 

"I gladly avail myself of the opportunity afforded by 
Colonel A. Hays, 63rd Pennsylvania Volunteers, returning to 
the state, to bear my testimony to his distinguished good 
conduct and gallantry in the campaign in front of Richmond. 

"No regiment in this army has been more distinguished 
than the 63rd Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

"Of all the officers in a regiment the colonel is the most 
important. The best material becomes worthless when cursed 
with bad or even with indifferent officers. 



"There can scarcely be any difference of opinion of the 
desirableness, I will say necessity for filling up, in the first 
place the old regiments now in service. The officers have 
been tried and such as have been found wanting we are 
rapidly getting rid of. Every inducement should be offered 
to men to enlist in these regiments. The men will be under 
officers who understand their duties, and associated with men 
who understand all the little methods of taking care of them- 
selves in camp, on the march, and in battle. They enter regi- 
ments that have a reputation and at once become identified 
with their glory. 

"With the regiments now in this army filled up promptly, 
there would be but little difficulty in marching into Richmond. 

"The new regiments would form reserves, hold depots 
and communications. 

"I have the honor to be, governor, very respectfully 
"Your obedient servant, 

"S. P. Heintzelman, 
"Brigadier General." 

W. M. McGRANAHAN TO COLONEL ALEXANDER HAYS 

"Headquarters 63rd Regt., Penna. Vols., 

"Camp Whitesell, August 13, 1862, 
"Dear Colonel : 

"Monday morning I sent by Sergeant Kiddoo ^ a copy of 

1 First Sergeant Joseph B. Kiddoo, then of Company F, later 
lieutenant-colonel of the 137th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and later, 
until his death August, 1880, an officer in the U. S. army holding 
the rank of brigadier-general, and who had also attained the rank 
of brevet major-general, U. S. volunteers, and who had been retired 
lor permanent disability from wounds received in action. 



f 



Harrison's Landing to Second Bull Run 261 



War Department Special Order No. i8o, embracing the dis- 
missal, muster out and discharge of some nine officers of the 
63rd. 

It was a clean sweep. McC. reported to the regiment just in 
time to receive a copy of his discharge from the service. M. 
came up today — takes his dismissal very cooly, as did McC. — 
his discharge, 'making the best of a bad bargain.' 

"Corts and I intended writing a respectably long letter to 
send with the War Department special order, but being busily 
engaged in our preparations for moving, having received 
orders to march at 2 P. M. Monday, we postponed writing 
until an opportunity offered when we were less crowded with 
business. The preparations for moving still continue and we 
are still under those marching orders. No one seems to be 
aware where we are going to or what we are going for. News 
tonight of Banks' glorious success in the discomfiture of the 
'Rebs,' eight miles from Gordonsville. It is generally believed 
that 7,000 whipped 20,000. The opinion here is that our move 
depends much on the success of General Pope's command. 

"We shall march with about 420 guns, probably more, 
as the number for duty is steadily increasing. 

"Acting Assistant Surgeon Smith was transferred the 
other day by the medical director to the 40th New York Vol- 
unteers, but his place is very cleverly filled by a young 
assistant surgeon from Pennsylvania, Dr. N. C. McMorris ^ 
He appears to take quite an interest in his department, and 
improvements in the policing of his tent floors, especially 
the dirty office of our former doctors are plainly visible. I 
think you will like him. Don't know about his 'skedaddling' 
proclivities. 

"In anticipation of the move through headquarters, Army 
of the Potomac, we have torn up the 'wedge tents,' making 
them into 'shelters.' Wall tents are allowed for the field and 
staff. Line officers must again use 'shelters.' 

" 'Old Came,' the brigade commissary, got so speculative 
the other day that he began to sell whiskey by the canteen 
full very indiscriminately. The consequence was that he had 
about half of Co's D and H in a state of mutiny, and quite a 
number of the 105th gloriously drunk. A sort of detective 
policy being used against the captain, some very excellent 
witnesses were discovered. General Robinson told Capt. 
Kirkwood that if he could get the slightest evidence against 
'Came' of his having sold liquor to private soldiers, to prefer 
charges immediately. Capt. K. got the evidence and the 
charges went up on Tuesday. 

"The 57th has been taken out of our brigade, I believe, 

1 Dr. Noble C. McMorris of Duncannon, Perry County, Penn- 
sylvania, who served acceptably to the end of the regiment's term 
of service. 



262 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



and placed with Berry's, and the command of the regiment 
given to the lieutenant colonel of the 99th, P. V., for the 
present. 

"The express goods 'Sam' sent or was to send, from 
Baltimore, have not yet been received. 

"Mowry tells me that the friends of Chester N. Clark and 
Hugh Gibbons of Company H have been anxiously inquiring 
their fate at Mr. McFadden's. Chester N. Clark was killed 
in the charge at Nelson's Farm, and his body left on the field. 
Hugh Gibbons was wounded in the right arm and taken 
prisoner in the same battle. Since released and returned to 
the regiment. His arm is much better, and he will soon be 
able for duty.^ 

"Capt. Kirkwood wishes you to bring him a sash from 
Mr. J. B. McFadden's, with the price attached. Also a pair of 
common shoulder straps for a blouse. 

"As Corts will write you, colonel, I guess I will leave 
something for him to say. Remember me to Mrs. Hays, and 
believe me most "Respectfully, 

"Billy." 

These discharged officers were not up to Colonel Hays' 
ideal and he did not want them. He had no objection to any 
of them going to other commands. Not all were discharged, 
however, as two were dismissed. Alexander Hays' ideal of 
a soldier was a man in proper uniform, who did his duty at 
all times, and when that duty was to stand up and fight, he 
expected the soldier to stand up and fight, and there are today 
many thousands who believe, and it is current indeed, that 
such is the real type of a soldier. Some of the above officers 
were "persuaded" to resign. There was a like process of 
elimination going on in other regiments — a gradual weeding 
out of "incompetents" and those aflfected with what Colonel 
Hays facetiously calls "bullet sickness." Thereafter there 
were no dismissals in the 63rd and no bullet sickness. 

ADJUTANT CORTS TO COLONEL HAYS 

"Headquarters 63rd P. V., Camp Whitesell, 
"Dear Colonel: "August 14, 1862. 

" 'Billy' ^ wrote you last night, giving about all the news 
and the general condition of the regiment. 

"I am happy to say we are regaining members and now 
make a very respectable appearance, mainly from the hospi- 

1 Both privates of Company H from Pittsburgh. Hugh Gibbons 
was mustered out with the regiment, though more desperately 
wounded in the Wilderness, where his colonel fell. 

2 "Billy" McGranahan, sergeant major. 



Harrison's Landing to Second Bull Run 263 



tals, 24 returned prisoners from Richmond, nearly all for duty. 
The returned prisoners report anything but favorably of the 
condition of the 'Rebs' at Richmond. They are living on sour 
bread and water, and short rations at that. [I mean bread.] 
Orders, orders have been the order of the day since your 
departure, requiring the time of about two men to answer as 
fast as received. We made five different forms, the last I 
think stuck, but it was just about as near correct as if made 
by 'Pomp,' simply because it must be made to a certain form, 
which could not be done and be correct, but it was made. 

"Drill is still imposed, morning and evening. The weather 
is extremely warm, the men suffer and I think are but little 
benefitted by the drilling, but it is an order. Quite a revolu- 
tion since you left. Nine officers have leave to report to the 
world, 'Othello's occupation gone.' The band mustered out 
and gone; good riddance. No music but bugles left us. The 
instruments we have had shipped per express to Messrs. 
McFadden.i 

"Still under marching orders ; teams loaded with six days' 
rations. Do not know what it all means. I hope not a ske- 
daddle, but feel satisfied we are to cover the movement and 
then likely have a long tramp in prospect. 

"Rodgers has written to Heighold that he is to have a 
court of inquiry. Hope he will get his wish.^ 

"We need a surgeon, and according to late laws are 
entitled to another assistant. Colonel Morgan instructed me 
to sell his horse. I did so, to Lieut. -Colonel Egan ^ for a 
friend of his, at $135, for horse, saddle and bridle, and I think 
him well disposed of. 

"Considerable surprise and fun was caused among us a 
few days since on seeing in the papers a grandiloquent recom- 
mendation of one of the late captains in the 63rd [his 'ironside' 
regiment], to an appointment as lieutenant colonel of one of 
the new regiments. Very funny things do occur these war 
times. We are anxiously looking for 'Father Abraham's 
300,000 more !' 

"With the good wishes of all the officers and men for 
your speedy recovery and return, and regards to all friends, 

•'• ^"^' "Very truly your friend, 

"George P. Corts." 

Lieut.-Colonel Algernon S. M. Morgan was most terribly 
wounded at Fair Oaks and for years was a sufferer. He died 
March 10, 1914. 

1 Regimental bands were mustered out by general orders. War 
Department No. 151, August 9, 1862. 

2 One of the discharged officers. 

3 Thomas W. Egan, brevet major-general at close of war, com- 
manding a brigade in the Second Corps. 



264 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Steamer Montreal, on the Potomac, 

"August 24th, 1862. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I have been quite an extensive traveler since I left home. 
From Baltimore to Fortress Monroe, to Yorktown and back 
to the Fortress, and now en route for Washington to overtake 
the regiment. In a few hours more I hope to be among my 
boys again. I am very tired of the chase after them. 

"I have had, however, a great satisfaction in meeting 
many of my old army acquaintances, who concede all honor 
to the 63rd, often however, asserting that the colonel had done 
the fighting. Generals Hancock and Brooks are on board. ^ 
Colonel Irvin, 49th Pennsylvania, with his regiment, also. The 
trip from the Fortress has been very pleasant. 

"We military men have continuous discussions, and many 
surmises of what is to be done, but we agree upon no conclu- 
sions except that the army is to be reorganized, and much 
material and driftwood to be cut loose. 

"I hope my friends will not forget me in the squabble 
for promotion. It is conceded on all hands that mine has been 
fairly won. 

"I have never felt in better health or spirits, excepting 
that my arm does not improve, I could wish for nothing. 

"I have lost no portion of my baggage so far. 

"I left at Little's a blouse which I wish you would obtain 
and send forward. My new boots I will need as I find the 
old ones are hard to draw on. Also send my new pants, even 
without the gold cord. 

"We are still for Little McClellan, and the people must 
not throw him overboard without cause. It is somewhat 
mortifying to return to Camp Johnston, but military necessity 
requires it. 

"God bless you all, and kind love to our friends. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

"When at Yorktown I picked up a little shell, enclosed 
for your collection. I could find nothing else except 'gimpsum 
weeds.' 

"Arrived at Alexandria and find all troops forwarded 
towards Manassas. You will hear from me as often as pos- 
sible. Again, God bless you all. 

"A. H." 

1 Winfield S. Hancock, a classmate of Alexander Hays at West 
Point, and William T. H. Brooks of class 1841, Colonel Hays' "plebe" 
year. 



Harrison's Landing to Second Bull Run 265 



ADJUTANT CORTS TO THE McFADDENS 

"Camp of 63rd Regt., P. V. Near Warrenton Junct., 
"My Friends: "August 27th, 1862. 

"I am most happy to inform you of the arrival of our 
colonel, who joined us on Monday after having gone to Fort- 
ress Monroe and Yorktown to meet us. We were very glad 
to see him, more particularly in improved health. He is look- 
ing remarkably well. Complains of his right arm, otherwise 
is hearty. The regiment was perfectly delighted to have him 
back and cheered lustily. All well. I cannot possibly think 
of going home. At this time duty demands my presence with 
the 63rd Pennsylvania Volunteers. The army is now being 
put in position and every indication is shown of vigorous work 
soon. 

'T hope for a speedy closing of the war. We sent the 
instruments by express, and since then find the cymbals could 
be used to great advantage in our drum corps. You will be 
good enough to have sent to us as soon as possible, by express, 
if no other opportunity offers. 

"The weather is delightful, and the country magnificent. 

"McGranahan will write as soon as our desk comes up. 

"Kind regards to all your family and friends, and assur- 
ance of my esteem to you, I am most truly, 
"Your friend, 

"George P. Corts, Adjt. 63rd P. V." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Brown's Hotel, Washington, D. C, 

"My Dear Wife: "Sept. 2, 1862.^ 

"After leaving home and as much search as Japhet had 
after a father, I found the 63rd Regiment on the 25th of 
August at Warrenton Junction of the Orange & Alexandria 
railroad in the rear of the Army of Virginia, there cannonading 
with the enemy on the Rappahannock, a few miles in advance. 

"I found the regiment much in need of my 'moral suasion,' 
although in other respects in excellent health and spirits, they 
had just returned from a long and fatiguing reconnoisance. 
The vociferous cheers as company after company marched 
past me, was evidence that my return was welcome. 

"Two exemplary specimens of refractory subjects put 
through 'rough shod,' brought the 63rd all right again — 'the 
ass knoweth his owner, and the ox his master's crib.' 

"The next evening I rode forward above five miles to 

1 It will be observed that the date of this letter is the day after 
Phil Kearney was killed at Chantilly, and that Colonel Hays had 
not yet received the intelligence of the death of his friend, whom 
Winfield Scott had years before characterized as the "most perfect 
soldier." 



-266 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



see General Kearney — I found him 'much exercised' — 'in one 
of his crabbiest moods' — his servants had deserted and all 
his valuable baggage left behind at Alexandria — his reception 
of me was, however, extremely cordial, v/ith an invitation to 
take supper — which I found consisted of coffee made and 
served in a blackened tin cup with hard bread to match, while 
his only servitor was, as the general himself expressed it, 'a 

d d miscellaneous migratory contraband, who had fallen 

in the way,' but in whom he had no confidence. 

"I returned late to camp, trusting to noble 'Dan' to find 
the way — early next morning we received orders to hold the 
63rd Regiment ready to march, the enemy had pierced our 
lines and were actually depredating in our rear, 

"With light hearts and light feet we tripped back to 
within four miles of Manassas Junction, synonymous with 
Bull Run, memorable for our eternal disgrace without cause 
except total incapacity and ignorance of high officials — if not 
a taint of treason. 

"Here we were opposed by the enemy with artillery, and 
underwent some shelling by which the 63rd lost three men, 
one mortally and two severely wounded. 

"Approaching to the front in support of a battery, a 
rocket or some other missile, burst just in front of my horse's 
[Dan's] breast. For an instant I thought he was gone, but 
he bounded over it like a deer and the fragments went whist- 
ling to the rear, entering the horse of our new surgeon across 
the crupper, inflicting a bad wound. Some wicked fighting 
was done upon our right and the enemy repulsed.^ 

"We rested upon the field, but not until my regiment 
had occupied four different positions as outposts, but we were 
rewarded at last, about 11 o'clock, by a good position and 
unmolested, 'slept the sleep of innocence and peace,' known 
only to the profession. 

"Next morning bright and early, the 'field and staff' 
breakfasted on good strong coffee, soft bread and spring 
chickens, and again took up the onward march. 

"After a march of four miles we reached Manassas Junc- 
tion and viewed the destruction made by the enemy on the 
preceding day and night. More than a mile in length along 
the railroad track was strewn with ruins of locomotives, cars 
and army stores — such devastation I never witnessed. Onward 
we moved towards Centreville, feeling for the enemy at all 
parts. Late at night we encamped among the old entrench- 
ments of the Rebels and early next morning [29th] moved 
rapidly after them. In an hour's march we found the enemy 
awaiting us and then began the stirring events which have 
thrilled the hearts of the whole North. 

"I cannot detail all of what I saw and part of which I 

1 The colonel was not unhorsed, it will be noted, an example 
of his superb horsemanship. 



Harrison's Landing to Second Bull Run 267 

was. About 4 o'clock P. M., after taking in the earlier day's 
doings, I was requested by General Kearney to give the enemy 
a 'taste' of the 63rd, several regiments of ours having been 
repulsed. 

"I gave the order to forward with trailed arms, and the 
boys answered with a deafening cheer. We drove them before 
us like sheep until they took shelter behind the railroad. 

"We received here the most terrible fire I have ever 
experienced, to which the 63rd replied as hotly. For some 
time we were unsupported, but my regiment never waivered. 
I have telegraphed you of my situation. A large ball struck 
the main bone between the ankle and knee, not breaking, but 
perhaps splintering it, glancing off and breaking the smaller 
bones. The entrance hole is as large as a half dollar. I assure 
you I have a sore shin, but a quarter of an inch variation 
would have cost me my leg. 

"All is excitement in this city, but the Rebels will be 
defeated and 'Little Mac' will again become the nation's idol.^ 

"Sitting in my little room on the fourth story, taking my 
tea and toast, the little teapot and the single cup recalled my 
old favorite, 'The Prisoner:' 

'In his narrow cell at Chelsea 
Sits a prisoner old and gray.' 

and I wondered if my own lot might not be the same. But 
as I write and turn to look across the Potomac to the blue 
hills where tonight or tomorrow may be fought the bloodiest 
battle on record and be the triumph or disgrace of the North 
forevermore, I regret that I will not be among my old com- 
panions to cheer them on and again take my chances with 
them. 

"If it had been permitted I would have preferred to defer 
my present disability. 

"I gave the loss as nearly as possible by telegraph of the 
killed and wounded of the 63rd and 105th — it is terrible. 
Adjutant Corts is uninjured.^ 

"David Shields was not in the battle. I had given him 
permission to visit the young men lately enlisted at Sewick- 
ley for the artillery ; he was unable to join the regiment after- 
wards, but is safe. 

"My wound is painful and I must lie down to rest; besides 
if I write more, this will not go by mail. 

Major Kirkwood was twice wounded — not dangerously I 
hope. Both my horses were shot. 

"I will be with you as soon as able to travel. I receive 
kind attentions from many friends. 

"God bless you and our dear little ones. Love to all. 

"Alex." 

1 The colonel was not wholly a prophet. 

2 The 63rd lost 21 killed and 82 wounded, of less than 400 
effectives [actually 357]. 



268 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Colonel Hays was most severely wounded, though he 
tried to make light of it. Major Kirkwood was also severely 
wounded but recovered, and was mortally wounded at Chan- 
cellorsville and died June 28, 1863. He was fully up to the 
ideal of Alexander Hays' model soldier and everywhere men- 
tioned in these letters, Kirkwood is high in his [colonel's] 
esteem. 

When the following letter was published in the Pittsburgh 
Gazette, Colonel Alexander Hays was lying wounded in 
Washington. The mention of Colonel Hays and the promi- 
nent Pittsburgh soldiers is most pleasant, and justice has not 
suffered thereby. The writer is now unknown. Of the names 
mentioned, but one comes to mind as now borne by a living 
person — Ell Torrence of Minneapolis, Minn., past commander- 
in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic. A. McKinney 
Craig was killed at Fredericksburg within two months after 
the publication of the letter ; Sergeant James Collard was 
commissioned lieutenant colonel of the 155th Regiment, but 
his wound proving most severe with the loss of his eye, was 
unable to serve ; William McClurg was killed at South Moun- 
tain, and Lieut. Edward P. Darlington died of wounds 
received at the same place. A. P. Morrison was sergeant 
major of the Ninth Reserves, and all mentioned, members of 
the "Pittsburgh Rifles," Company A of that regiment, from 
whence the letter emanated. 

FROM THE ARMY NEAR WASHINGTON 

We are permitted to make the following extracts from 
a private letter written by a gentleman of intelligence to a 
member of his family. It will be read with interest by all: 

"Washington, Sept. i, 1862. 

"Dear : — I returned about one hour ago from Bull 

Run, where I have been looking after and endeavoring to 
assist our wounded. I have walked, since this time last eve- 
^'^^S^ 35 miles — in from the neighborhood of the battlefield, 
and encamped on the ground, soldier fashion, last night, at 
Fairfax Station. I was wet to the skin by the most violent 
shower we have had since I have been here — but having 
rubbed myself thoroughly with bay rum and put on dry 
clothes and my wrapper and slippers, feel mighty good. As 
you may imagine I am not in a humor for much letter writing, 
or much of anything else excepting sleep. There are some 
things, however, of which I feel bound to write immediately — 



Harrison's Landing to Second Bull Run 269 



to relieve, so far as I can, the anxiety of friends of those 
engaged in the late most bloody and fearful battles. The 
Pittsburgh Rifles had five wounded — James Collard, eye ; E. 
Langdon, seriously ; E. Frethy, not seriously ; E. Torrens, not 
seriously ; W. Scandret, not seriously. The balance are all safe, 
I know, excepting Lieut. Sowers.^ of whose whereabouts I 
know not, nor does his company ; but it is yet hoped that he 
may turn up. The first man I met, almost, at Centreville, 
was Sergeant Craig, who alarmed me by saying that up to 
that time [Sunday morning, 5 o'clock] but 15 of the company 
[Pittsburgh Rifles] had been mustered; but I had the pleasure 
in the evening of that day of seeing 32 men in line all of that 
company. I took by the hand Capt. Owston [by the way a 
brave and gallant officer], Will McClurg, Edward Darlington, 
Andy Morrison, and many others of my old friends in the 
company, who are all looking well and able to meet Secesh 
any time — and with anything like a fair show to meet him 
successfully. Tell all your friends in Pittsburgh they can still 
brag on the 'old Pennsylvania Reserves,' as I have the testi- 
mony of at least 50 wounded of those who fought beside them 
on the left wing, that they fought like heroes, as they always 
have fought from Drainesville to Bull Run No. 2. What I 
tell you in regard to the number of the Pittsburgh Rifles, 
gathered together in the 24 hours after the battle, I can say 
holds good of almost all the companies and regiments, as I 
know from my own observation — and when you hear persons 
say a regiment was cut to pieces, and have but 50 or 100 men — 
don't be in a hurry to believe it, as time will bring in many 
who have been detached, and lost their companies and regi- 
ments in the march from the front. If any one tells you the 
Army of Virginia is demoralized and not in a position to meet 
the enemy again — tell them I know it to be false, from actual 
observation, and tell them for their encouragement, that on 
my walk from Centreville, I met not less than 50,000 to 60,000 
fresh reinforcements on the way to the scene of the late conflict 
— with at least 125 or 150 pieces of artillery — and these men 
not green troops, but the Peninsula veterans of Sumner, 
Franklin, etc. — From all I have seen in the last few days, I 
have concluded that I can await the conflict of Centreville 
[where the next battle is expected] with confidence as to the 
result. I am encouraged, and not at all disheartened, as many 
seem disposed to be. 

"I just missed seeing Colonel Hays, who is among the 
wounded — having been shot in the leg during the action, I 
believe, of Saturday. I met a squad of his wounded, belong- 
ing, I think, to a McKeesport company, attached to his regi- 
ment, who declare that God never made a braver man than 
Alexander Hays, of the devoted 63rd Pennsylvania, and I 
believe it, 

1 Lieut. Sowers turned up safe and served out his enlistment. 



270 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"I saw Colonel Leasure of the looth Pennsylvania, who 
was slightly wounded in the calf of the leg. He hopes to be 
able to return to the brigade he commands before many weeks. 
For the present his wound is so painful as to prevent him 
either riding on horseback or walking, otherwise he would 
remain with his brigade, as I assure you it is a great trial to 
him to be obliged to leave them at so critical a time as this.'* 

OFFICIAL REPORT OF COLONEL ALEXANDER HAYS 
SECOND BULL RUN 

"Bivouac of the 63rd Regt., P. V., Near Battlefield, 

"August 30, 1862. 

"To the Assistant Adjutant General of the Brigade, 
"General : 

"I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
operations of the 63rd Pennsylvania Volunteers on yesterday, 
the 29th inst : 

"Early in the morning moved from Centreville with the 
balance of the brigade — Robinson's first brigade, Kearney's 
division. Proceeding some five miles the regiment was formed 
in line of battle and moved forward across open fields and 
creek to woods, through which we deployed. Ordered to the 
support of brigade commanded by Colonel Poe, which occu- 
pied a front on the right of that to which we advanced. While 
in this position received a severe shelling from a battery of 
the enemy's on the left of Colonel Poe's command. We suf- 
fered a loss of one [i] man killed and two [2] wounded. After 
being ordered to a position on the right, still supporting 
Colonel Poe, the regiment was withdrawn and moved to the 
left. Rested in line of battle in edge of woods looking upon 
fields. After a lapse of about an hour General Kearney 
ordered Colonel Hays, with the 63rd Regiment and 105th 
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, to cross the field in front, 
deploy through the woods to left, and intercept bodies of the 
enemy who were annoying General Hooker's right flank. 
This was done and the regiment formed in line of battle at 
the 'railroad cut,' and rested. An error in some command 
on our left and a miscellaneous fire in our front, caused a 
slight confusion in the 63rd, and misinterpretation of an order 
issued just at that time by Colonel Hays. This was speedily 
remedied, and the regiment occupied its old position without 
disorder. Immediately after General Kearney ordered the 
63rd, with the 20th Indiana and 105th Pennsylvania to pro- 
ceed up the railroad cut and deploy to the left, 'give the enemy 
a fire and charge them,' and endeavor to drive them from 
their position on the railroad. In doing this we encountered 
a large force of the enemy coming down the railroad. Open- 
ing fire and advancing on them, a terrible conflict ensued, 
which lasted over an hour. Our loss being very great, as 




General Hays' Headquarters, Winter 1863-4. 



Harrison's Landing to Second Bull Run 27L 

the enemy took a position on the opposite side of the railroad^ 
concealed by the ground thrown from the railroad cut, they 
could not be driven from the front, and we were subsequently 
forced to retire, being almost out of ammunition, and our 
effective force being reduced to one-half the number we came 
upon the field with, 

"G. P. Corts, 

"Adjutant 63rd P. V." 

"Enlisted men for duty, privates, 2.yy ; sergeants, 23 ; cor- 
porals, 33, Total, 333. Field and staff, 4; non-commissioned 
staff, 5. Total duty, 357." 

In the "History of the 63rd Regiment" this comparison is. 
to be found : 

"The charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava has been 
immortalized in song and story, but looking at it calmly, with- 
out any gildings of romance, the three charges of the 357 men 
of the 63rd Regiment against the entrenched line of the enemy, 
over 5,000 strong, at Second Bull Run, was every whit as 
desperate and daring. They, as well as Capt. Nolan's 600^ 
knew it was a mistake, but — 

'Their's not to reason why, 
Their's not to make reply, 
Their's but to do and die.' 

"And nobly they obeyed the orders that hurled them, a 
mere handful with no supports, against an overwhelming^ 
force, not once, but three times, and they never faltered 
once." ^ 

GENERALS BIRNEY, BERRY AND ROBINSON 
TO PRESIDENT LINCOLN 

"Camp of First Division, Third Corps, 

"Near Alexandria, Va., Sept. 12, 1862. 

"To His Excellency Abraham Lincoln, 
"President of the United States : 

"In consideration, and our appreciation of the gallant and 
meritorious conduct of Colonel Alexander Hays, commanding' 
the 63rd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, we, the under- 
signed officers of the First Division [lately commanded by 
the lamented Major General Kearney], Third Corps, would 
most respectfully recommend to your favorable notice Colonel 
Alexander Hays, as one most fit to receive the appointment 
and position of brigadier general. 

"His record as a soldier is brilliant as that of any officer 
in the service, and the records of the late war with Mexico- 

1 "Under the Red Patch," P. 151. 



272 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



and promotions there and then awarded, together with his 
services in the present war, proving him a brave, judicious, 
gallant and worthy officer. Present at all the battles in which 
the division ['the fighting division'] was engaged from Fort- 
ress Monroe to Richmond, and badly wounded on the 29th 
ultimo., at Groveton, gallantly and bravely leading his regi- 
ment, which suffered severely on that day. 

"Colonel Hays is a graduate of West Point Military Acad- 
€my, and holds a captain's commission in the i6th U. S. 
Infantry. 

[Signed] "D. B. Birney, Brigadier General 

"Commanding Division. 

"H. G. Berry, Brigadier General 
"Commanding Second Brigade. 

"John C. Robinson, Brigadier General 
"Commanding First Brigade." 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO MRS HAYS 

"Brown's Hotel, Washington, D. C. 

"September 7th, 1862. 
"Dearest Annie : 

"I have just read yours of the 6th, and am very much 
gratified. You received a copy of my letter sent to Pittsburgh 
— intended for you. 

"My wound has been intensely painful, although the worst 
is over and I may expect some peace hereafter. 

"The slightest variation of the ball would have cost me 
my leg. 

"I have George [my servant] with me, and any number 
of kind nurses and skillful surgeons — in fact I'm a lion. I 
want nothing except your company, and that I cannot have 
for a few days. As usual, cormorant citizens, who have been 
preying on our army, are stampeding for other parts, and all 
trains to Washington are crowded with troops, etc. The 
trip would be unpleasant at least, and things are very unset- 
tled here. Remain in Philadelphia a few days and I think I 
will be able to join you at Harrisburg. 

"There is not the least doubt as to the result of the next 
battle. With 'Little Mac,' the army is again very sanguine. 

"Kirkwood is here with me, shot twice in the leg, but 
not so severely as mine. Love to Kate and regards to all the 
Horstmanns. 

"Do not direct, except plainly to 'Brown's Hotel.' 

"Very tired sitting up. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 



i 



Harrison's Landing to Second Bull Run 273 

ALEXANDER HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Brown's Hotel, Washington, D. C, 

"September 8th, 1862. 
"Dear Sir: 

"I have not been able to write as I wished. My wound 
has been very painful, and the position required for ease is 
not the most favorable for writing. It is now 10 days since 
I was 'put to bed,' and you can imagine how agreeably the 
time has passed. Kirkwood is getting along quite comfort- 
ably and suffers but little. I fear my one shot is worse than 
his two, but either is bad enough. 

"I wrote to Annie to remain in Philadelphia. It would 
not do for her to come on until affairs are more settled. I 
think I will be able to travel in another week, at least as soon 
as I am able, I will start for home. 

"I have good attendants, George ^ is with me, besides lady 
nurses and visiting doctors and friends by scores. 

"Are the enemies of 'Little Mac' satisfied? If not, they 
should come to see the enthusiasm of our army, and the con- 
fidence it has inspired into even the craven hounds who 
attempted to defame him. 

"Hurrah for Mac! ^ 

"Love to mother, Rachel and 'Mag,' and to all at home. 

"I send you a list of killed and wounded, retain me a 
copy, and have it published. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex Hays." 

THE REWARD OF VALOR.s 

"War Department, Washington, Sept. 29, 1862. 
"Sir: 

"You are hereby informed that the President of the 
United States has appointed you, for meritorious services at 
the battle of Fair Oaks, a brigadier general of volunteers, in 
the service of the United States, to rank as such from the 29th 
day of September, 1862. 

"Should the Senate, at their next session, advise and con- 
sent thereto, you will be commissioned accordingly. 

"Immediately on receipt hereof, please to communicate 
to this department through the adjutant general of the army, 
your acceptance or non-acceptance; and with your letter of 

1 George, his colored servant. 

2 Loyalty to McClellan — very strong evidence, if anything else 
were wanted, to show Alexander Hays' feelings toward George B. 
McClellan. 

3 OflBcial order. War Department, September 29th. 



274 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

acceptance, return the oath herewith enclosed, properly filled 
up, subscribed and attested, and report your age, birthplace, 
and the state of which you were a permanent resident. 
"You will report for duty to General Heintzelman.^ 

"Edwin M. Stanton, 

"Secretary of War." 

"Brigadier General Alexander Hays, 
"U. S. Volunteers." 

Brigadier General Alexander Hays was assigned by his 
old commander to the command of the Third Brigade of 
Casey's division. All the troops around Washington had been 
organized into a corps, later numbered the Twenty-second, 
with General Heintzelman commanding the corps, and the 
services of General Hays in that corps will form another 
chapter. 

THE USUAL ORDER IN SUCH CASES 

"Headquarters Military District of Washington, 

"Washington, D. C., Sept. 15, 1862. 
"SPECIAL ORDERS NO. 191. 

EXTRACT 

"15. Leave of absence for 20 days is hereby granted Colonel 
A. Hays, 63rd Pennsylvania Volunteers, on surgeon's cer- 
tificate of disability. 

"By Command of Brigadier General Wadsworth, 

"John P. Shelborne, Asst. Adjt. Gen'l." 

1 General Heintzelman had been placed in command of the 
forces at the Capitol, September 9, 1862. 



\ 



CHAPTER XIV. 

HAYS' BRIGADE, TWENTY-SECOND CORPS 

BY VIRTUE of the leave of absence of date, September 
15, 1862, for 20 days, Colonel Hays returned to his 
home, Linton, near Pittsburgh, He was badly crippled 
and on crutches, which he did not discard until late in the win- 
ter. His reception in loyal Pittsburgh was an ovation which 
up to that date had been tendered to few, for the city was wel- 
coming a commander fresh from a continuation of stirring 
events, successful battles, and disheartening ones, too, in which 
Alexander Hays and his fighting 63rd Regiment had dis- 
tinguished themselves and he came home only because of a 
desperate and disabling wound. Newspaper files of those days 
have much to say of Alexander Hays. They had more to say 
later. 

This furlough explains the seeming hiatus in the continuity 
of his letters, as can be inferred from the dates. His wound 
healing slowly, the colonel's leave was several times extended, 
as it was plainly apparent he was incapacitated for active duty 
either in camp or field. The colonel left his home early in 
November and made his first stop in Philadelphia, enroute 
to Washington. He visited his son, Alden, at the institution 
for the blind in that city, and was a guest of the Horstmanns, 
who admired him greatly. Colonel Hays' first letter home is 
most fatherly and his meeting with his dear son who could 
never see him again was most pathetic, and alone would prove 
the afifectionate nature and tender heart of Alexander Hays, 
a soldier by education, fresh from the battle line and scenes 
of carnage. The well-known couplet involuntarily comes to 
mind: 

"The bravest are the tenderest, 
The loving are the daring." 

Colonel Hays has stated that he has provided himself 
with writing material and that he will write — and he does — 
he writes his heart and its longings, he writes the happenings 

275 



276 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

in Washington, the news and the gossip of the capitol and 
the camps, the spicy bits of information that leak through 
from the front, learned in personal touch with many coming 
and going all the time. 

The letters are generally explicit, but to this generation 
wherever the sense is obscure the editors have endeavored to 
enlighten, by specific information whenever it could be 
obtained, 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Philadelphia, November ii, 1862. 
"Dear Wife : 

"You will be surprised to find me still here. The weather, 
until today [or rather the weather and streets], has been so 
unfavorable, that I have remained generally within doors. 
Each day Alden^ came down to see me, and spend the day. 
Independent of the satisfaction of seeing so well, and improv- 
ing, it has been worth all my time, and expense, to see him 
eat pies. His general bill of fare has been roast turkey, oyster 
pie and sweet potatoes, topped off with pumpkin custard and 
ice cream. 

"He says he does not suffer from 'home-sickness' since 
the first attack, and has suffered from 'headache' but the one 
day, when we were here. He is terribly amusing, in his 
description of the doings at the Institute. The boys will steal, 
and he has lost his knife. I gave him some money and he 
bought a box of paints — I suppose a speculation. I think he 
is a good boy, and has a tender heart, only excelled by Martha. 

"My sword will require ten days to put in order, and will 
be sent me by express. 

"This evening ]\Ir. Franklin sent up for me a splendid 
belt, at the moderate price of $60.00. I thought of several 
other pressing needs and could not go it. I sent it back, with 
the request of 'a man of moderate means.' 

"I cannot speak too highly of the kindness of the Horst- 
manns — most especially William. He has treated me like a 
prince, and I shall not soon forget it. 

"Dear Alden left me this evening, deeply affected, yet 
he bore himself like a man. We have had many interesting 
conversations and he will write to me, as I shall most cer- 
tainly to him. I bought, among other things, a case which 
will carry a full apartment of writing materials; so look for 
letters. I expect several at Washington. 

1 Alden F. Hays, the general's blind son, then in attendance at 
the Pennsylvania Institution for the Blind in Philadelphia. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 277 

"I leave tonight at ii o'clock. Love to and God bless 
you all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 
"P. S. — Tell J. B. McF. & Co} to send my horse covers to 
Washington by express." 

Horstmann Brothers were manufacturers of military 
goods in Philadelphia and were famous during the war. John B. 
McFadden & Son [John B. and James B., his son], represented 
the Horstmann firm in their Pittsburgh jewelry store on Mar- 
ket street near Fifth avenue. The families were most intimate 
socially. General and Mrs. Hays always being guests of the 
Horstmanns while in Philadelphia. Immediately after the 
death of General Hays, Mr. Sigmund Horstmann presented to 
Mrs. Hays the residence and five acres of ground adjoining 
the property of the Harmony Society on Big Sewickley Creek, 
near the town of Sewickley, the place being named Fair Oaks, 
in honor of the general's promotion following that battle. 
William and Sigmund Horstmann were the two brothers com- 
posing the firm. 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Washington, November i6 [Sunday], 1862. 
"Dear Annie : 

"I have spent a long and tedious Sunday. Went to the 
Catholic Church to hear the grand music, but was [as usual] 
too late. Have received your kind letters, and written several 
home to you, in which I supposed I have answered any pos- 
sible inquiry. I told you all about Alden, and the Philadelphia 
people, that I thought might interest you. In Philadelphia I 
abandoned the use of one crutch, after arriving here I laid 
aside the other, substituting a cane. 

- "I limp perceptibly, perhaps interestingly, but am pro- 
gressing finely. Reported myself, and was received flatter- 
ingly by the secretary of war. Saw General Heintzelman, 
and many others. Halleck has been absent in the front 
towards the enemy, so that I have received no orders. I 
believe I will be detailed for duty near or in Washington. I 
have delayed to write for a day, or two, that I might announce 
my settlement. I expect to hear it tomorrow. 

1 J. B. McF. & Co. — John B. McFadden & Son, the general's 
father-in-law and brother-in-law, jewelers in Pittsburgh. 

2 The general never entirely recovered from the limp, being 
slightly lame at the time of his death. 



278 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"Yesterday was made joyous by the arrival of Henry^ 
and 'Pomp,' with 'Dan' and 'Leet.' They are still in Alexan- 
dria, but come over tomorrow. I expect 'Dave' Shields any 
day, Corts also. I have had numerous applications for posi- 
tions on my staff, and am well pleased to be able to say all 
filled. 

"I cannot fill pages with all I think, and all I know; trust 
nothing now, as I did i6 years ago, to imagination, and will 
only announce things as they occur. Received a letter [inclos- 
ing a lady], from your father. Procured the lady [Mrs. 
Parker], a pass, furnished her with all the good advice I could, 
and sent her ofif rejoicing. Only cost me $1.50, including the 
time of half a day, spent in her service. She is a very clever 
lady, and it gives me pleasure to wait upon such, but there 
are now in the 63rd nearly 600 men, and each one of them has 
a wife, mother or sister, who have equal claims upon my time 
and purse, and by 'the single rule of three' I will be required 
to devote about one year of my time and $900 to their services. 

"I sent you a draft on New York for $200 enclosed. I am 
promised postoffice currency for $50, which I will also send 
as soon as I receive it. With reduction and taxation my 
present pay as brigadier will not much exceed the old pay of 
colonel. 

"I will call upon Mrs. Stanton tomorrow, as well as the 
other high authorities, and will write to let you know. 



"I never have been in better health, my eye improves 
daily, and I notice but little difference. My sore ankle now 
itches to put the foot in the stirrup, to mount 'Dan,' and be 
once more 'a boy again.' Love to all the dear ones at home. 
Tell mother, if she has them, I will be obliged if she will send 
me two or three more of ^ Patrick's photographs, as the 
demand of his old friends has robbed me of the two I had. 

"I will have my picture taken as soon as I can stand up 
square. 

"I send you two of poor unfortunate Kearney. I will 
write to you tomorrow, and will answer your father's letter 
in detail. 

"Love again to all and God bless you. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

1 Henry Stafford, the general's body servant, a most faithful 
and courageous servant. "Pomp" was Corts' colored servant, and 
"Dan" and "Leet" the general's horses. 

2 Lieut. Patrick Alden Farrelly, U. S. A., deceased, step-brother 
of Mrs. Hays. Vide Appendix B. 



Hays* Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 279 

GENERAL, HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Washington, November 19, 1862. 
"Dear Sir: 

"I received yours of the nth, but delayed answering in 
daily expectation of being able to announce something definite 
of my disposal by the department. 

"I called upon the secretary of war, the adjutant general 
and General Halleck, and in all cases was not only courteously, 
but cordially received. Was told by Halleck's adjutant general 
that my case had been anticipated and that I would be assigned 
to a position at Washington, suitable to my disabled condition. 
Which is interpreted, either in the provost marshal's office, or 
on a general courtmartial, as there are many cases to be tried, 
including General Fitz John Porter. 

"It is irksome to wait, but I must do so patiently. 

"In the case of the removal of General AlcClellan, I think 
there was more excitement on account of the peculiar time, 
when the people were anticipating a battle. Personally, I felt 
no apprehension, for I have great confidence in Burnside, and 
so long as the army was not affected in its morale it made 
little difference what the 'dear people' might think. As a 
political act, it was most unfortunate for the party in power, 
giving to the Democratic party occasion to howl, and furnish- 
ing an available man to present to the people as its new head. 
I think McClellan never entertained a political aspiration, yet 
I think he will hereafter be a Conscript Democrat. 

"It requires very long letters to carry on a correspondence 
in which all the elements of governmental administration are 
introduced, and, to tell the truth, I do not like them. If Burn- 
side is successful [and I pray God he may be], it will prove 
one of my darling theories — opposed to the one-man principle. 
It would not be complimentary to us as a nation that we 
possessed only one man capable of directing its destinies. 

"I received your consignment of the case of Mrs. Parker; 
she seems to be a very clever woman. I have done all in my 
power, but she has informed me that the surgeons have decided 
against discharging her husband. I called also in the case of 
young Patton, and found he had left the hospital on the eighth 
inst. and perhaps is home. I will also endeavor to find Bald- 
win, your own correspondent. 
************* 

"I have mentioned to Annie the arrest, and subsequent 
capture by the enemy of Corts and Gray^ of the 63rd. The 

1 OfRcers of the 63rd Regiment. Capt. Corts was under arrest 
for creating a disturbance in camp when Mosby's men captured 
him, taking him to Richmond, giving him a horse en route and 
treating him with deference. He was released under exchange in 
a few weeks, but resigned from the regiment. Later as the letters 
show, he was appointed on the staff of Brigadier-General Alexander 
Hays. 



280 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



arrest was without doubt, suggested to General Robinson, 
through envy of me, and most likely imprudent remarks of 
the prisoners. Say to their friends that no apprehension need 
be felt for their safety. I still claim Corts on my staff. 

"Shields is on his road to join me, and I will send him 
home to equip as soon as he arrives. My horses and negroes 
are safe, as Corts sent them down the day before his capture. 
All I lose in property is a fine mule. 

"As matters of interest occur, I will write. Love to all 
at home. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex Hays." 

The general's prophecy of McClellan's political future and 
his truthful statements of fact, seem to have been most far- 
sighted. Burnside, of whom much was expected, seems at 
first to have favor in Alexander Hays' estimation, though 
Burnside of the class of 1847 at West Point, was but a 'plebe' 
during Alexander Hays' last year and saw but little service 
in Mexico. In later letters, General Hays has more to say 
of Burnside. 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Washington, November 26, 1862. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I have received and sent in return a number of letters 
to you and others, and regret that so many complaints are 
registered against me. I promise, however, to do nothing 
else than write, provided I can find enough for subjects. 

"So far, it has been the most uninteresting time I ever 
spent in this city. Everybody appears to have a claim upon 
my time, and patience. I have just finished a series of letters, 
the last for Rev. Dr. Marks,^ in which I am expected to please 
each, and go by dictation. 

"Corts is here safe, although resigned, and a prisoner under 
arrest. David Shields is also with me, and well. Corts has 
telegraphed for us, and unless I close this will be too late for 
today's mail. I am expecting instructions any hour, and when 
I receive the first intimation. Tomorrow I go to private lodg- 
ings with Colonel Oliphant.- I am in good health, improving 
in my wound, and almost perfect in my eyesight. 

"If I am assigned to duty here, you will receive orders 
to join my staff, then we can talk, and you can write all the 

1 The chaplain of the 63rd Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

2 Lieut. -Colonel S. D. Oliphant, 8th Pennsylvania Reserves, 
whose home was in Uniontown. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 281 

time. In a day or two I will make another remittance and 
send the currency if possible. 

"If I can obtain leave of absence for him, 'Dave' will go 
home in a day or two. 

"Love to and God bless you all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Washington, November 30, 1862. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I have the pleasure of announcing my settlement in pri- 
vate quarters. My fellow lodgers are Paymasters Webb and 
Newell, Colonel Oliphant and Major Leech. In another part 
of the building General Ward Burnett has his rooms. Our 
landlord, his lady, and an ugly little dog, all at one time, were 
in the service of Jeff Davis, and they are all 'sesesh,' even 
unto the dog, whose attempt to bite me I consider not only an 
evidence of the remarkable instinct of the animal, but a satis- 
factory evidence of my devotion to the Union. 

"Our rooms are one, very large, fronting on Thirteenth 
street, handsomely furnished, and a good-sized bedroom 
adjoining. Our boarding house is next door. Altogether a 
great improvement on hotel boarding, both as to cost and 
comfort. We are but a short distance from the avenue, and 
Willard's, where we can go to shoot buttons, when we please. 

"I am sorry for Oliphant,^ he has just returned from a 
consultation on his case, and is much discouraged. We try 
to cheer him up, but it is very difficult. My own afflictions 
[trials, of course], are fast disappearing. I read as I write, 
almost as well with one eye, as the other. 

"By the way, speaking of eyes, I want you to send me 
Dr. Hays' prescription. Corts' negro, 'Pomp,' was losing both 
eyes, when I took his case in hand ; he is now much improved, 
but my supply of medicine is nearly exhausted. 

"Everybody, including congressmen and their wives, are 
expected to be here tomorrow, and Washington will be a per- 
fect Babel, if some competent person does not look after it. 
It is generally believed that I am to be honored, with the 
charge of its morals and politics. So far, I have received no 
official intimation, but if the powers so decide, although I do 
not deserve it, I will do my duty faithfully and conscientiously, 
and then woe to the wicked, and the man with a traitorous 
tongue. 

"I have reported almost daily at the department, and been 
very pleasantly informed that there is no call for cripples, 
but that a place was already selected for me, appropriate to 
my disabilities. I will go tomorrow to demand my place. 

1 Oliphant resigned December 29, 1862. 



282 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"I have procured a boot which laces up leg, and find it 
adds much to comfort and strength. A limp is only very per- 
ceptible now when I am required to go up and down stairs. 

"I intended to ride 'Leet' today, but concluded to write 
instead. 'Dan' has become outrageous for want of a good 
rider. Corts and 'Dave' Shields are now out with them, and 
will have a merry ride. 

"I have gone out but little, excepting up to the War 
Office, and have several calls to make on Mrs. Stanton, Mrs. 
Wade and Mrs. Brady Wilkins,^ after which I intend to 
enclose myself in the shell of my official duties, whatever they 
may be, until I am enabled to pay my devotions to the woman 
I love most. If I am stationed here, you will receive orders 
to join. I believe I am reported to be one of the most loyal 
men in the country, but my allegiance to it is not more sin- 
cere than that I owe to you. You all complain I do not write 
more. I never could write when the subject was nothing, and 
I have had no other theme since I came here. I will not write 
politics. 

"I enclose a draft on New York for $ioo and will send 
in another envelope such amount of postage currency as I can 
procure. There is no money to be had from paymasters, and 
such as I receive is from personal favor. Many of my friends 
have been entirely destitute, and to them I have spared what 
I possibly could. I do most sincerely pity the families of 
soldiers who are in actual want, as no pay has been allowed 
for nearly six months." 

"I will now write punctually twice a week, on Sunday 
and Wednesday. Will that please you, and will you do as 
well for me? 

"Photographs will be furnished as soon as sword and 
belt arrive. 

"Sincerest love to mother and Rachel and to all the dear 
little Hayses. Kind regards to everybody. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

,,„ „,.. "Washington, December 13th, 1862. 

Dear Wife: 

"Lieut. Gross has just called, and announces his leave 

at 3 o'clock. I therefore write, as he promises to deliver this 

in person. It is more than a week since I received a letter 

from you, although 'Dave' Shields has called regularly at 

Brown's Hotel. Colonel Oliphant received his first word from 

1 Mrs. Wade and Mrs. Wilkins, Pittsburgh friends of well-known 
families. 

2 Generous to a fault, the general gave to all who asked of him, 
officer or private, many times to his discomfort and sacrifice. In- 
gratitude followed these loans on several occasions. This subject 
recurs in subsequent letters. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 28^ 



home for the past lo days this morning. So I have had com- 
pany; but why have I not heard? 

"I have suffered intensely from biHous colic, the severest 
attack I ever had, and have not been able to write. My stomach 
is still so sore from the application of mustard that I suffer 
in bending over the table, but otherwise I am relieved and 
will be as well as ever in a day or two. 

"I have suffered from want of exercise, and become very 
bilious. Once or twice I have been able to ride out, and hoped 
to feel improved, but I was taken before it had effect. Tomor- 
row I commence my rides again. 

"With the exception I have mentioned, my health has 
been good, my leg improves, is healed, but my foot is quite 
stiff, and will be for some time. The great difficulty I experi- 
ence is getting up and down stairs. 

"Gross waits for this letter and will see you and another 
will follow, more at length, tomorrow. [Sunday.] 

"Direct to No. 442 Thirteenth street, or to Washington,, 
as we send to the postoffice every day. 

"God bless you,(/nd love to you all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 
GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Dear Wife : "Washington, December 14, 1862. 

"I wrote yesterday by Lieut. Gross,^ with a promise to 
write again today. Since then I have seen Bagaley, who 
reports that all are well, but that I have failed to hear from 
home, in consequence of a species of retaliation decreed against 
me, for a supposed belief of my failure to write oftener. Is 
this so? 

"I feel better than for many days past, and intended to 
have written a long letter, but I have not now the material, 
interrupted as I am by the roar of artillery at Fredericksburg. 
Yesterday the loss on our side was fearful, although we were 
successful. This day perhaps it will be greater. Many of my 
acquaintances are maimed or killed, or wounded, and they 
must be replaced, to make the good work successful. I antici- 
pate orders each day, but will write daily to keep you informed. 
In the meantime you can write to me at Washington City, 
with a certainty of receipt, as an orderly calls, as he has called, 
daily, for the past 10 days, for letters for me. 

"My warmest love to mother, Rachel and Margaret. If 
my love for you and our children is not understood, without 
daily expression, you shall have it so — sincerely, deeply and 
devotedly. Regards to all friends. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

1 Lieut. Emanuel Gross of Pittsburgh, later captain Company 
D, 63rd Regiment, and Bagaley was lieutenant of Company K,. 
same regiment, discharged for wounds received at Malvern Hill. 



284 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Washington, December 15, 1862. 
''Dear Annie : 

"According to promise I write again today, notwithstand- 
ing I have heard nothing from you except a verbal message 
that you are all well. 

"The city is full of rumors and excitement. The first in- 
formation I received this morning was that 'the 63rd' had been 
'cut to pieces' and that 200 or 300 wounded had arrived by 
boat. I sent Lieut. Shields at once to the wharf to ascertain 
particulars from the arrivals. He found it was the '63rd' New 
York. I was much relieved, for all said it was my boys who 
had been slaughtered. At all events it proves the number 63 
a magic number : 63rd Pennsylvania, 63rd Ohio, and 63rd 
New York. 

"All last night the avenue was thronging with ambulances, 
bearing the wounded from the boats to the hospitals. 

"Today a doubt pervades the Department that we may 
not have force enough to carry the enemy's second line of 
entrenchment. Other troops are being forwarded as rapidly as 
possible, and I would not be surprised to see all the available 
force around the capitol ordered forward. 

"So far, we have beaten the Rebels badly, but at an awful 
sacrifice. The bones of contention, Washington and Rich- 
mond, may perhaps be fought for, at a distance from either. 

"I have so far received no orders, but it cannot be long 
before I am called upon to take my part. The loss in generals 
is unprecedented. In anticipation, I regret that I will be re- 
quired to take the field so unprovided, as I have neither sad- 
dles, mess chest, or horse covers, without purchasing such 
as I can. 

" 'Dave' Shields, in his new uniform, looks the dashing 
brave soldier and is anxious for 'something to turn up.' T. 
Rustin Kennedy, who will also be an aide, is on hand, and 
more demurely than 'Dave,' is ready for action. Kennedy is 
from Meadville, and you may apprise my friends that our 
staflf will be strictly O. S. [Old School] Presbyterian. 

"Capt. John Leech^ will be the bearer of this, and will 
see your father, and perhaps you. I do not know that I have 
■much more to say, certainly not that which you profess to like 
to have said to you, until I heard from yourself. I will write 
at least each other day, until I am definitely settled. 

"Love to all and God bless you and the children — love to 
each by name. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

1 A Pittsburgher — not a military man. One of the firm of 
Leech & Co., famous canal shippers in Pittsburgh, who resided next 
door to John B. McFadden. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 285 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Washington, December 17, 1862. 
"Dear Annie : 

"I have just received yours, commencing on the loth and 
ending on the 14th. As it is 10 days since I heard from you, 
you know how acceptable it was. 

"I am nevertheless much surprised at your complaint of 
the loth, no letter ! As this is the fourth day, successively, 
which I have written to you. Those letters explained why I 
had omitted to write, for some days previous. From the neces- 
sity of exercise, I suppose, I became very bilious, and the con- 
sequence was an attack of colic, more serious, and painful, 
than I have ever before experienced. I suffered intensely, and 
feared serious consequences. My breast and stomach were 
raw from applications of mustard plasters, and I could not 
write. Even in my suffering I wrote briefly to explain, and 
then I received a letter from you, upbraiding me for my 
neglect, which was far more painful than what I suffered in 
body. 

"Have I ever indicated, in the slightest degree, a want of 
confidence in you? and why do you so write to me? I cannot 
explain everything in letters. The amount of money I sent 
you was much less than I desired, but all my friends were 
destitute here, and I could not refuse to spare to them. I 
have lent over $200, the most of which will be returned, a 
portion, never, and I do not expect it. 

"To — alone, I have advanced over $100. The 

amount has transformed him, in appearance, from an ill- 
dressed soldier to a spruce aide. My own expenses are un- 
avoidably heavy. But I will explain finances no further. 

"I am very weary of Washington. Even brigadier gen- 
erals here are 'small potatoes.' I only await confirmation by 
the Senate, an assignment to duty. I see numerous celebrities 
every day [when I am out]. Last night I went to CowanV 
and I believe he is my friend. 

"The repulse of Burnside has created a great sensation in 
the city, and Little Mack's friends are jubilant. Political fac- 
tions are fuming, too bitter for the interests of our country, 
and how it will settle, God only knows. 

"I enclose a notice of the death of Holsinger.- If I can 
do any thing for his friends, let them say so. I also enclose 
a note from young Scott, which will ensure the plugging of 
somebody's tooth. 

"Love to all, mother, Rachel, Margaret, and all the little 

1 Honorable Edgar Cowan of Greensburg, United States senator 
from Pennsylvania. 

2 Holsinger and Scott, Pittsburgh soldiers. There were four 
Scotts in the 63rd Regiment at this time. The reference is obscure. 
It contains one of the colonel's peculiar metaphors. 



286 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



ones. Tomorrow I hope to receive another letter from you, 
full of old love and confidence. 

"I w^ill send to Alden, for Christmas, two or three dollars 
in postage currency. I will also send to you [if possible] in 
the same, a greater amount, in time. 

"I am glad to have my saddle, etc. sent, as I may need 
them any hour. 

"I will telegraph, if occasion requires. 

"Our pictures were taken today. I think they will be good. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Washington, December 25, 1862. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I will endeavor to put in a portion of this tedious Christ- 
mas by writing to you. I owe Agnes a letter, and will write 
to her today or tomorrow. I was very much gratified to 
receive such an evidence of her improvement in writing, and 
remembrance of me. 

"If I could possibly I would have gone home for a few 
days, but I think my services will be called upon, and I wish 
to be on hand. There is a probability that I will be assigned 
to our old brigade. It is the prayer of all the men and officers, 
and I think I will find more devotion to me there than any 
other place. 

"This morning I rode to Georgetown to see Capt. [Dr.] 
Boisol.^ He is terribly wounded, but is better, and there is 
good hope of his recovery. His wife, father, mother and little 
'Joe' are with him. I go frequently to the hospitals, although 
it is no pleasure, except when I can afford some relief. The 
disaster at Fredericksburg has been more extensive than is 
believed. Eleven thousand of our friends killed and wounded, 
and no advantage gained. It is a sad Christmas to many 
families. 

"I find that I cannot endure much fatigue. This morn- 
ing's ride has used me up, more than an ordinary day's work, 
but I suppose a little practice will put me all right. 'Dan' is 
terrible in spirit and vigor ; like unto Job's war horse, 'his 
neck is clothed with thunder.' He appears to appreciate his 
new trappings, and if he could have heard, as I did as we 
passed up the avenue, the expressions of commendation, he 
would have been a proud horse. 

"In our house [442 Thirteenth street] we have quite a 
hospital. A New Jersey colonel, shot through the head; 

1 Doctor Daniel Boisol of Allegheny, captain of Company G, 
123rd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, wounded at Fredericks- 
burg, who died of his wounds December 27, 1862. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 287 

Colonel Dick Coulter/ shot severely in the side, and his lieut- 
enant colonel, with the back of his head shot away. Colonel 
Oliphant is deaf, and I am lame. Our visitors come up on 
crutches, and often present a sad scene. 

"God help us, when will this infernal war cease. But it 
requires stout hearts to carry it on. I am still 'full of hope' 
and trust in the justice of our cause. 

"In a day or two I will draw and send you a remittance. 
I am now reduced to the exact amount of lo cents, which will 
serve to purchase three postage stamps, which I intend to use 
this day. 

"I received the fancy handkerchiefs from Miss Rebecca, 
and will write an acknowledgment, although I am afraid to 
use them. Dave is well and contented. I must say that the 
lady who reported Lieut. Kennedy, has not the truth in her, 
as the report is false. It has given me much pleasure to have 
Kennedy speak so pleasantly of his visit to you. I almost saw 
you myself as he described you. 

"God bless you, how I love you, but I have some to share 
with others, and give love to all. 

"I will write regularly, of course, when possible. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Washington, December 26, 1862. 
"Dear Sir : 

"The most gloomy Christmas I have ever passed is over, 
and in anticipation of Colonel Oliphant's departure for home, 
I will give one letter, as an installment on many I owe you. 
Such time as I have been able to give, since the terribly dis- 
astrous battle of Fredericksburg, I spend in visiting wounded 
friends. 

"Yesterday morning I ordered the horses, and in company 
with his brother-in-law, I visited Dr. Boisol at Georgetown. 
The doctor's wound is dangerously severe, and he will, I 
believe, live. 

"His father, mother and wife are with him, and he has 

1 Richard Coulter of Greensburg, colonel of the 11th Regiment, 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, wounded at Fredericksburg. The reference 
to the lieutenant-colonel is not clear as Thomas S. Martin of that 
grade had been killed at Second Bull Run and Henry A. Frink, who 
succeeded to the position, was badly wounded in the same battle and 
had not yet reported for duty. Capt. John B. McGrew, however, of 
Company G, 11th Regiment, an Allegheny County company, was 
wounded at Fredericksburg and may have been acting in that capa- 
city. The New Jersey colonel was probably Moses N. Wiswell, 28th 
New Jersey Regiment of Kimball's brigade, French's division, Second 
Corps, though Colonel William B. Hart of the 4th New Jersey was 
also wounded, both at Fredericksburg. 



288 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



every attention. Although much fatigued by 'Dan's' restive- 
ness, on our return to the city we went to see Colonel 'Charley' 
Campbell, who had arrived at the Kirkwood House. We found 
him, with his arm and side shattered by three balls. His 
pluck is good, and he, too, I believe, will recover, in a long 
time. He is, I believe, on the list of brigadiers.^ 

"At his request I wrote to Mrs. Campbell, and have prom- 
ised to write again today. Colonel Coulter will probably leave 
by easy stages, for home, this evening. That will leave re- 
maining in our hospital no other patients than the New Jersey 
colonel, shot through the head, and myself. 

"I had hoped to have been again in the field, and the pros- 
pect is now, that I will be assigned to my 'old brigade.' I 
cannot be deaf to the appeals I receive from all grades to come 
back to them. My application is made, and I think, will be 
granted. 

"Although hardly yet fit for rough field service, I will 
request it. The wound in my leg has healed, but I find myself 
too easily fatigued, which I ascribe more to the debilitating 
influence of the Peninsular swamps, and which a more active 
life will soon dissipate. We are 'sulky, sullen, sour,' over the 
affair at Fredericksburg, and though all concede the greatest 
gallantry to our troops, we find that the disgrace must be 
'wiped out.' Burnside has still the confidence of the army, 
and the opposition of McClellanism is very weak. Time will 
show who is the soldier to lead us. Holsinger came on, and 
procured the body of his boy. Hundreds, I may say thousands, 
are here, in search of relatives. 

"Boisol, it is feared, is sinking, and cannot last but a few 
days. 

"I send you a note book of old Benjamin Harrison — date 
1773. I think you will find something of interest in it. 

"I will write to Annie tomorrow, and if the paymaster has 
any funds, will send her a remittance. I have loaned almost 
everything except my clothes to those in want. 

"When I am assigned I will try to give Lieut. Shields a 
short leave. As it is, he appears well pleased with his change 
from a knapsack to comfortable quarters. 

"I will write nothing more at present, but when I am 
settled you will find a more punctual correspondent. 

"Love to all at home. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex Hays." 

1 Charles T. Campbell, colonel of the 57th Regiment, Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers, wounded at Fredericksburg, a most gallant soldier, 
who had been commissioned brigadier-general November 29, 1862, 
and for whom General Hays had a sincere regard which was re- 
ciprocated. 



Hays* Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 289 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"December 28, 1862. 
"Dear Annie: 

"I have returned from my Samaritan tour of the hospitals. 
I left Capt. Boisol dying. Around him were his wife, mother, 
father, and little 'Jo^-' I would rather fight a battle than wit- 
ness such a scene. The poor old father and mother, submis- 
sive ; the wife, broken down from her incessant watch and 
anxiety, could not control herself. She has proved herself a 
much nobler woman than we were willing to believe, and I 
hope she will get credit for it at home. But the most affecting 
of all was the actions of little 'Joe.' Shedding tears, like a man, 
he stood by his father's bedside alternately kissing his fore- 
head, stroking back his hair to look into his closing eyes, and 
wiping the cold sweat of death from his brow. Why should 
death distress others more than the one who dies? Poor 
Boisol's sufferings have been dreadful. Shot through the 
bladder, he has died by inches, for 15 days. 

"I have now just returned from the bed of Brigadier- 
General 'Charley' Campbell. He is wounded very severely in 
three places, one arm shattered from the wrist to the elbow, 
another ball through the same arm, and another ball through 
the side, cutting his liver. He is getting along well, and no 
apprehension is felt for his life, although he may yet lose his 
right arm. 

"I have given you enough, though not a tithe of the 
'horrors of war,' which I see every day. Thank God, it is not 
at our own doors. 

"I did not burn your letters at once, but kept them 
securely, and am now reviewing them. They are dated Decem- 
ber 17th, i8th, and 20th. On the i8th I am pronounced 'the 
best man in the world' on account of four letters received, and 
on the 20th I am scolded for not writing. That reminds me 
of a story I have told you, and I conclude you require me to 
write 'all the time !' I have answered the 20th and did not 
write by Kennedy, as he left unexpectedly. I wrote to your 
father by Colonel Oliphant, and now owe nobody at home 
except Agnes, and she shall have one today if I can write in 
time for this day's mail. I did not succeed in getting my post- 
age currency until yesterday, and very little then, but I have 
sent to Alden $2.50 for New Years. 

"I omitted to acknowledge dear little Martha's Christmas 
gift, for which neglect I am sorry, but it will do now. It is 
very pretty and most acceptable. Her letter is short, but most 
expressive, and implies to me a volume, for I know it comes 
from her heart. 

"The family pictures, excepting the unsupplied ones, are 



290 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



ranged upon the mantel of my bedroom. I miss 'Jim,' and 
somebody has appropriated Rachel.^ 

"I sent you a few pictures, only three as specimens, but 
as I have no letters since the 20th, have not heard of them. 
I had a dozen, but my friends stole the rest. How do you like 
them, especially about the legs. The legs require explanation, 
as the picture is supposed to be taken in the field [all except 
that curtain in the background], I have just dismounted, and 
those pants are supposed to be riding pants. 

"I do not like them, but will have all taken over. Send 
on your orders. By the way, I did not receive yours of the 
latest, one of those side views. I am asked so many questions 
about your personal appearance, that I must have a counter- 
feit presentment or no one will believe me, although 'Rus' 
Kennedy reports that you are the youngest and best looking 
woman he saw in P. [Pittsburgh.] 

"I like to have questions asked, to elicit acknowledgment 
from me of how much I love you, and would I be pleased to 
see you? 'Dinna ask me, ask it 'o yoursel.' 

"I have promised Mrs. Boisol to return to the hospital and 
bring 'Charley' Swartz. 

"God bless you all, and love to all by name. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

No more touching example of General Hays' tender heart 
is furnished in any of his letters than his most pathetic account 
of the last hours of his dead friend, Capt. Boisol. Up to that 
time, General Hays must have seen many hundreds die and 
his own death was to be most merciful in comparison. 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Washington, December 29th, 1862. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I wrote yesterday a very long letter, and as I have writ- 
ten several since I received your last, of the 20th, I intend 
to cease firing, until I hear from you. This will be exclusively 
on business, 

"I have been again to Georgetown this morning, and 
found Dr. Boisol dead ; died at 12 o'clock last night. Found 
his wife in great distress, as the father and mother claim to 
have the corpse sent to Allegheny, while the wife claims it 
for Philadelphia, which is to be hereafter her home with 
*Joe,' I decided in favor of the wife, for I believe a wife alone 
is entitled to her husband, dead or alive. 

1 The general's children — Martha [Mrs. Robert A. Black] ; 
Rachel [Mrs. John S. Sullivan], and "Jim," his youngest child. An 
added evidence of the great family affection of the general. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 291 

"General Campbell ^ is improving, and I have written 
for his wife. 

"Although still weak, and nervous, after my ride on 'Dan,' 
I feel better than at any time since I left home. The exercise 
I have taken although at first very fatiguing, is having a good 
effect and I will continue it. No pay can be had from pay- 
masters, as a general thing, but Major Newell has promised 
to raise me something if possible, but too late for this day's 
mail. You shall have a portion, although I am dead broke. 

"Ask James - to send me the receipt from Adams Express 
for my mess chest, if it has not been received, and please 
send me, as you have promised, the Dr. Hays prescription, 
unless you wish me to lose my eye. 

"Expect no more until I hear from you, but God bless 
you and give love to all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Washington, January 3, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"You can imagine how pleased I was, when the carrier 
handed me your letter of the 30th, enclosed with a note from 
your father, and dear little Martha's labored epistle, which I 
cannot read, yet I feel it expresses much. 

"How dearly I would wish to have you visit me here, if it 
is possible, but I fear each hour will give me an order to 
march. Tomorrow I will go to headquarters, and endeavor to 
have my destiny settled. 

"One regret I have, which is that I am unable to send 
you the money you require. Paymasters have no money, and 
nearly all I drew, excepting the amount I last sent you, I have 
been forced to lend, which leaves me almost penniless. I did 
know that charity begins at home, but the wants of the poor 
devils were too apparently pressing and I could not refuse 
them. I am out, over $200, which I will get in time. 

"I send you now but a few dollars in postage currency, 
and will send other remittances in a few days, or as soon as 
possible. 'Charley' Campbell's^ wife arrived this morning, and 
'Charley' looks as happy as a lord, and appears to forget his 
wounds, which are improving rapidly, and she looks perfectly 
satisfied. You know she is almost blind, and I will give her 
Dr. Hays' prescription, which you sent. 

"This will be the only letter I will send today. I will 
write you again tomorrow, and to your father also. Say to 
Agnes I will not fail to write. 

1 Charles T. Campbell, colonel 57th Pennsylvania, promoted. 

2 James B. McFadden. 

3 Colonel Campbell of the 57th Pennsylvania Volunteers. 



292 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"The box with saddle, &c., is here, but the company have 
not delivered it yet. I expect it momentarily. 

"Now, dearest, believe me, I will endeavor to do every- 
thing for your sake, for although 

1 'Our love it never was recorded, 
Yet good it is, and true, 
It's half the world to me, dear. 
It's all the world to you.' 

"There, now, be of good cheer, and I will write you a 
full account of my most tedious sojourn in Washington. 

"Love, especially to Mother, Rachel, 'Marg.,' and the little 
ones, and God bless you all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

General Hays was eminently of a social disposition and 
his tent was a social center, attracting many officers who 
were frequent visitors ; possessing much personal charm in 
manner, and fluent and engaging in conversation, nightly, 
when duties permitted. General Hays' quarters were crowded. 
Naturally the war was the ever recurring and oft-discussed 
subject, but many and thrilling were the tales of adventure, 
also, Florida, Mexico, California, the Plains, and the old army 
days and still sweeter, home and family, and that the general's 
family were endeared to his comrades is most strongly shown 
in their purloining his family pictures — no doubt reasoning 
they could procure in no other way. 

When it is remembered that General Hays was wounded 
August 29th, and December was nearly gone and he was still 
incapacitated, the irksomeness of his condition and surround- 
ings can be appreciated, as well as his companionable disposi- 
tion. 

AN OFFICIAL ORDER 

WAR DEPARTMENT 

W^ashington City, January 11, 1863. 
Mrs. Hays has permission to pass free of charge 
on the railroad from Washington to the headquarters 
of her husband, General Alexander Hays at Centre- 

ville. 

All persons in the government service will aflFord 
her courtesy and protection. 

Edwin M. Stanton, 

Sec'y of War. 

1 Quotation not found. [ 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 293 

MRS. HAYS TO HER SISTER, RACHEL W. McFADDEN 

"Camp Union Mills, January 12th, 1863. 
"Dear Rachel : 

"We left Mr. Stanton yesterday morning at 9 o'clock, 
took the steamer for Alexandria and the cars from there to 
this place, where we arrived about 2 o'clock, a distance of 35 
miles but it was a military road, no person seemed to be in a 
hurry except myself. I found the general waiting with a two- 
horse ambulance to take me to headquarters. That I was 
made welcome you can imagine. My house is a two-storied 
frame, three rooms down stairs and three up. My room is 
large, nicely whitewashed, with three windows. I am just 
as comfortable as can be. 

"The camp is located in a wild, hilly country, well supplied 
with good water and wood. The air is cool, but delightful. 
We are five miles from Manassas and the same distance from 
Bull Run. I am going up to the battlefield as soon as I can. 

"The general has five regiments of infantry and two bat- 
teries of six guns each ; in case of attack he takes command of 
two other brigades. General Heintzelman holds the general 
responsible for the 'outer defenses.' Several of the regiments 
are Germans who surrendered at Harper's Ferry. I believe 
the reason why the general was sent to command shows that 
he was a fighting character. 

"We have no less than three counts. Count d'Utassy, 
Count Biscaccianti ^ and another [I forget his name], all men 
who have seen foreign service, well educated, and are gentle- 
men. 

"I was awakened this morning at reveille by the band 
under my window playing 'Lorena.' ^ The band plays well 
though their instruments are not as fine as the 63rd. 

1 These foreign officers were officers of the 39th New York Vol- 
unteers, of which more anon. They were Capt. Cliarles Di Biscacci- 
anti, Robert C. Schreiber and the one whose name Mrs. Hays forgot 
was most probably Capt. Carlos de la Mesa, though the name has a 
Spanish sound. Schreiber was not included in Mrs. Hays' enumera- 
tion here, and whether he was a nobleman or not is not now known, 
but he was far from being a noble man, as later developments will 
fully prove. 

2 "Lorena," a favorite song of the general's, frequently men- 
tioned in his letters, and a most popular song of the day. Although 
the general could hardly distinguish one note from another, he was 
passionately fond of music, his wife being quite gifted as a musician. 

"LORENA." 
[First Verse] 
The years creep slowly by, Lorena, 

The snow is on the grass again, 
The sun's low down the sky, Lorena, 

The frost gleams where the flowers have been; 
But the heart throbs as warmly now 

As when the Summer days were nigh, 
The sun can never dip so low 

Adown affection's cloudless sky. 



294 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"But about the general : he looks thin, but is in excellent 
health and spirits, only feels his wound when he is obliged 
to ride a good distance. He visited the whole picket line 
yesterday, but is not to be away all day today. 

"I have not received one line from home since I left, but 
hope to hear today. The package had not arrived when I 
left Ellen Stanton's.^ She will keep it until I send. 

"I have written each day, one to mother, father, 'Mag' and 
yourself. I enclose father a list of the regiments [4], with 
the names of their commanders. - 

"But I must close, as I have a great deal to do in starting 
our housekeeping. I am determined to start right in the man- 
agement of the mess. 

"Love to all. How I wish Alfred and 'Jirn' ^ were here. 

"Yours, ,, . . „ 
"Annie, 

MRS. HAYS TO HER BROTHER, JAMES B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Union Mills, Va., Tuesday, Jan. 13th, 1863. 

"Dear James : 

"Did you receive a letter for me from Mr. Hays? It 

contained a check for $50. Please give me credit for it, and 

see if Mrs. Fitzgerald * wishes for any, and give it to her. The 

letter was sent from Washington on the 8th of the month. I 

have not had one line from home yet. 

"Yours, ,, . . „ 
"Annie. 

"Love to mother, father, Rachel, 'Marg.,' and George.^ 
Don't you want me to bring you some shells from Bull Run? 
A basket full. 

"Since writing the above I went down stairs and found a 
family of contrabands ^ from Bristoe. They wished to go on 
to Washington. Poor souls, how I pity them, hungry and 
cold. 

"In the office I found two Rebel ladies, who were found in 
our lines, and wish to go again to the 'Sunny South.' I left 
the general reading the law to them. Another man killed on 
picket three miles from here; one was found the day I came 
here. The shots could be heard here. But I must say good- 
bye. „. . „ 
•^ Annie. 

1 Mrs. Edwin M. Stanton, second cousin of Mrs. Hays, with 
whom she always visited while in Washington, their relations being 
intimate. Mrs. Stanton was Miss Ellen Hutchison of Pittsburgh. 

2 Vide Appendix F. 

3 Alfred P. and James M. Hays, the general's little sons. 

4 The housekeeper at Linton, the Hays home. 

5 Mrs. Hays' sisters and brother-in-law, George W. Murphy. 

Refugee slaves, termed by General B. F. Butler "contraband 
of war," hence the common designation, "contrabands," in war time. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 295 



MRS. HAYS TO HER DAUGHTER AGNES 

"Camp Union Mills, Tuesday, Jan. 13th, 1863. 
''My Dear Agnes : 

"Though I have not received a single line from home, 
still I will keep my promise of writing every day. 

"How much I have wished that you could be here to enjoy 
the many wonderful sights that are constantly taking place. 
The scenery for miles around here, is wild and romantic. 
From my window, looking over the hills I see the camps of 
the artillery, with the bright red clothes and blankets of their 
horses, while in every direction are the camps of the infantry, 
not in mass but in clusters of six and 12. Now I look and see 
a general with his staff and followed by 10 or 12 cavalrymen, 
and all times a constant stream of four-horse wagons with 
their white covers are passing this house. Indeed, I never 
was so well pleased in camp before. At reveille the band 
plays under my window, and each night we have a serenade. 
The band is composed entirely of Germans, who always feel 
what they play. 

"Now I will give you an idea how I spend my time. Rise 
at reveille, breakfast at eight ; then look at the 'guard mount- 
ing;' go to the kitchen to see what we have for lunch and 
dinner; lunch at twelve, dinner at five, with coffee at nine. 
We have a large family besides daily visitors. I am inter- 
rupted a dozen times, while writing one letter. 

"After lunch your father and I are going to visit the bat- 
teries and see some of the 'Rebel works' which were thrown 
up last winter. There is one entrenchment after another, with 
rifle pits for five miles. 

"On Thursday we dine in state with the staff officers at 
Colonel d'Utassy's at Centreville. I would rather eat my 
dinner with the little Hayses at Linton. 

"The weather is lovely. I have my window open now, 
and find it quite pleasant. Your Papa is well, and busy from 
morning to night. He was up an hour before day, and rode 
out to some of the regiments to find out how they attended 
reveille. He found them napping, so they caught a lecture. 
The men run and look after him when he rides out, and their 
remarks are more often expressive than elegant. 

"Now, Agnes, I wish you to go out to Linton and then 
give me a full report. What smart things Alfred and 'Jim' 
are doing, how Rachel, Gilbert and Martha attend school ; are 
Mrs. Fitzgerald and Mary Ann comfortable, and how are 
Maggie and Mary. Tell me all. I have written a long letter 
to Alden. 

"Your mother, 

"Annie A. Hays." 



296 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Mrs. Hays, it will be noted, has the rare gift of observa- 
tion and the facility of pen to express it. Her experiences 
on the border of actual warfare and amidst war's alarms, and 
her keen appreciation of what newspapermen term the news 
sense, render her letters fully as interesting as the general's — 
perhaps more so as being a woman's impressions. 

MRS. HAYS TO HER FATHER, JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Union Mills, Wednesday, Jan. 14th, 1863. 

"My Dear Father : 

"I am surprised and disappointed each day at not hearing 
from home. Of course someone has written, though we have 
not received one line since I left home. I have never failed 
to write each day. Do you receive them? David Shields is 
expected today from Washington ; he may bring some news. 

"Yesterday afternoon we visited some rifle pits and 
entrenchments thrown up by the enemy last winter. The 
general says they are more extensive than any he has seen. 
While walking along we came upon a number of graves. 
Many of them had no number or name. There was a grave 
marked 'I. P. D., 5th Alabama,' and close beside it was a soldier 
of I2th Ohio. I gathered some plants from them and will 
enclose them to Agnes. ^ We saw any quantity of caps and 
old clothing, which the Rebels had left there. 

"Mr. Hays is busy from 5 o'clock in the morning until 12 
at night, if he had not a wonderful constitution, he could not 
stand the fatigue. His picket line is 13 miles long, and twice 
has been fired into since I came; but a minute ago I left my 
letter to look at one of the regiments going out on picket. 

"As to the fighting qualities of this brigade, the general 
knows nothing, as all they have ever done was to surrender 
at Harper's Ferry. Still I feel that the men must have time 
to learn and know whom they are fighting under. They may 
do better. All the ofificers I have met have pleased me. Many 
of them were old soldiers in Europe. The brigade commissary 
is a son of one of the high officials at Rome. The adjutant 
general graduated at the military school in Germany, and 
served through the Crimean War. His life has been entirely 
with military men. He was taken prisoner at 'Kais' and 
sent to the Caucasian Mountains, but I will reserve his history 
until I get home. It is so full of adventure and romance that 
it would fill a volume. - 

1 Agnes, the general's oldest daughter. 

2 This "hero" was most probably Capt. "Johannes" Schreiber, 
39th New York, and the story, if applied to him can be taken "cum 
grano sails." Schreiber will be heard from shortly. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 297 

"The hospital is in a large barn quite near here. Mr. Hays 
says the men are quite comfortable and the surgeon, Dr. Ham- 
mond, excellent. 'Dan' and 'Leet' have a good stable and 
look well. Mr. Hays' eye is nearly well, but his teeth are 
not very comfortable. 

************ :|t 

"Love to dear mother and all at home. I will write 
tomorrow. 

"Yours, 

"Annie." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Union Mills, Va., January 15, 1863. 
"Dear Sir : 

"A. A. Hays,^ having reported for duty at these headquar- 
ters, has been assigned as special correspondent to newspapers 
generally, and as confidential private secretary, will attend, 
also, to all private correspondence. 

"Annie is very comfortably situated, but so far has had 
no time for enjoyment of her visit, or to examine the beautiful 
scenes of the country in which we are located. She must 
see the historic and classic fields of Bull Run, and if possible, 
I wish to show her the grounds of the 29th x\ugust, already 
indelibly impressed upon the shin of one of her family. She 
will, therefore, be detained ten days longer, to fulfill her mis- 
sion. In the meantime she will have opportunity of giving 
such descriptions of life in the field, as will interest you all. 
I do not wish her friends at home to laugh at the idea, but 
Annie is really aspiring to equestrianship on 'Leet.' If it 
were not for the responsibility at home, she would become an 
Amazon, or at least enact 'The Dashing White Sergeant.' 

"If 'JiiTi' ^"d 'Alf 2 were here, you might fear for her 
return before next spring, but you had better keep them at 
home, in hopes to wile her back. She will keep you well 
advised, and in case of danger, will be sent to Alexandria by 
express. 

"I do not wonder at her desire to remain, as many persons 
in higher positions would give small fortunes to have her 
opportunity, endorsed by Secretary Stanton. 

"Love to all of ours at home, and kind regards to friends. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex Hays." 

1 The general is facetious in speaking of his wife here, and 
how well she filled her duties is most apparent. 

2 "Jim" and "Alf.," the general's little sons. 



298 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



MRS. HAYS TO HER FATHER, JOHN B. McPADDEN 

"Camp Union Mills, Va., 
"Wednesday Morning, January 21, 1863. 
"My Dear Father : 

"We returned from Fairfax Court House last night, when 
I found upon my table two letters from you, 14th, 15th inst., 
two notes from George, a letter from Sigmund, and one from 
William Horstmann, one from Agnes ; so you may imagine I 
felt very happy. 

"One of the regiments, the 125th New York, had been 
ordered to command and protect the military stores at Fairfax 
Court House, and we were invited to go over and dine with 
General Stoughton.^ I left home at nine, drove to Centre- 
ville, five miles, where Mrs. Bacon joined me, and we started 
for Fairfax, five miles, and arrived there at twelve. Mr. Hays 
had gone on before to make arrangements for his regiments, 
and was there to receive us. I found General Stoughton one 
of the handsomest men I have ever met, well educated, his 
manners very refined, and only 24 years of age. He has not 
seen much service, and when I tell you that his brother, only 
19 years old, commands his former regiment, you may rest 
assured he has friends high in authority. He commands Ver- 
mont regiments, his native state. 

"General Stoughton is elegantly quartered, has a large 
modern house, with many pieces of handsome furniture, but 
I prefer 'Union Mills,' it looks as if a soldier lived there. 

"Of course the dinner was good, but the band was the 
finest I have ever heard. Twenty performers on German silver 
instruments. After dinner we went to the 'Court House,' a 
small brick building; the bricks are red and black, alternate. 
The inside is entirely destroyed and is used for commissary 
stores. We then crossed over to the clerk and registers' offices, 
and there, in the greatest confusion lay masses of old papers 
and books. I picked up some, dating back as far as 1740, and 
a book of 'Stray Animals' of Fairfax County for 1786. I will 
take them home as souvenirs. 

"In going to Fairfax, we passed near the battlefield of 
Chantilly, where the gallant Kearney lost his life. I saw large 
numbers of horses, still unburied, and the smell was horrible. 
Every foot of the road between here and Fairfax is interesting. 
Rifle pits and well-built forts command the ground for miles. 
At Centreville they had five large forts which would have 
swept the country for miles. 

"Mr. Hays is better pleased with his command than he 
expected, though he has yet to try their fighting qualities. 

1 Edwin H. Stoughton, formerly colonel 4th Vermont Volun- 
teers. His brother, Charles P. Stoughton of the same regiment, was 
brevetted a brigadier in March, 1865. Edwin H. Stoughton was a 
graduate of West Point class of 1859. He will be mentioned later. 



Hays* Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 299 

He has made a decided and good impression upon his men. 
They now find a soldier commands them. Up at reveille, 
mounts 'Dan' or 'Leet' and off miles to see how his regiments 
turn out, and at night, tries them to find if they can turn out 
in case of an attack at midnight. His great trouble is the 
extended line of pickets. 

"As to the visit of Mr. Stuart and friends, I hope they 
will defer it for the present, as the general does not feel pre- 
pared to give them a warm welcome yet. The cavalry are 
so inefficient, no dependence can be placed in them; in fact, 
our pickets do not feel safe when they are about. ^ 

"The general held a meeting of the chaplains last Sunday, 
He read the law to them and then gave them a short sermon, 
besides. I went over to services at the 125th New York, and 
was well pleased with what I saw and heard. 

"David Shields is well, and has just written home to his 
aunt. 

"Mr. Hays ^ sends his kindest regards, and will write as 
soon as he has time, but some days he is in the saddle for six 
and eight hours. He is still lame, and I do not think he can 
ever march very far ; his leg will always be weak. 

"I had intended writing to Mary, but have not time. We 
expect Colonel d'Utassy and staff for dinner. 'Alex' was much 
pleased with Agnes' letter. 

"Love to dear mother and kisses to the little ones at 
Linton. 

"Yours, 

"Annie." 

Affairs at Union Mills, at the time of General Hays' com- 
mand there are given much in detail in Mrs. Wilson's book,^ 
from which this and several more extracts are taken : 

"The beauty and order of the camp attracted numerous 
visitors, among whom were many ladies, generally the wives 
of officers. No pains were spared by General Alexander Hays, 
who had been in command of the brigade since January, to 
make their stay with the army agreeable. A deserted Rebel man- 
sion near the camp was fitted up for the reception of the 
guests; and here Mrs. Hays often entertained large evening 
parties of ladies and officers. Here, like the revelers on the 
eve of 'Waterloo,' they often 'chased the glowing hours with 

1 The cavalry improved. They were "new" then. 

2 It will be noted that Mrs. Hays has not become used to the 
general's title and lapses into the plain civilian term of "mister" 
quite frequently. 

3 "Disaster, Struggle, Triumph," "The Adventures of 1000 Boys 
In Blue, From August, 1862, to June, 1865," by Mrs. Arabella M, 
Wilson. "The History of the 126th New York Volunteers." 



300 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

flying feet,' good music being furnished by the regimental 
bands. Horseback excursions to various points of interest in 
the neighborhood gave additional zest and variety to life in 
camp." ^ 

However all was not pleasure at the Hays headquarters, 
for visitors saw much of the misery that war always brings 
upon the innocent and the helpless, as witness the following 
story Mrs. Wilson tells of General Hays' kind-heartedness : 

"The constant arrival in the Union camps of refugees 
from rebeldom, in a most deplorable condition, is mentioned 
in many diaries. At first all were admitted and their wants 
supplied, and the tide of fugitives set in strongly and steadily 
toward our lines. But at length it was found that while many 
were worthy of commiseration and relief, many more were 
spies, adventurers and dealers in contraband articles who, 
after getting inside our lines, would reach Washington and 
then, from their knowledge of the country, elude the vigilance 
of the pickets, and get back to the Confederacy with valuable 
supplies and information. The most stringent orders, there- 
fore, were sent from Washington forbidding an}^ refugees to 
pass our picket lines on any pretense whatever. Touched 
with their forlorn condition, fleeing from an impoverished Con- 
federacy, and now homeless and starving, the pickets often 
shared their rations with them, and General Hays repeatedly 
sent wagonloads of provisions and medicines outside of our 
pickets to the hovels where these poor creatures would con- 
gregate, sometimes lo or 15 in a hovel. This was relief; but, 
after all, the suffering must have been extreme and constituted 
no inconsiderable part of the wretchedness brought upon the 
Southerners by the insane and wicked leaders of the rebellion. 
And it will be remembered that this was not confined to Cen- 
treville nor to Virginia ; wherever a Union camp was estab- 
lished, there was the same dreadful experience." - 

If there was one state in the "Confederacy" that paid a 
high price for secession, it was Virginia. Virginia, the "Border- 
land," the scene of more battles than any of her "sister states" 
as they were once designated. Mrs. General Hays saw some 
of the deplorable results of the war during her brief stay at 
Union Mills, and the general — well, war was not new to him 
and he could not tame its bent or soften its tone. General 
Sherman only correctly defined war, and he used a synonym. 

1 "Disaster, Struggle, Triumph," PP. 138, 139. 

2 Ibid, P. 140. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 301 

MRS. HAYS TO HER SISTER, MISS RACHEL McFADDEN 

"Union Mills, Saturday, January 24, 1863. 
"Dear Rachel : 

"I have no letters to acknowledge this time, as I have 
received none since Tuesday, but the mails are very irregular 
to this place. I expect to leave here next Wednesday, if pos- 
sible ; at that time 'Alex' has to go to Washington on business. 

"We have just received a telegram that General Casey 
and staff are to be here and remain some days to look at the 
defenses, so that may delay us, but I hope not, as I have 
already overstaid my time. How do they get along at Linton? 
I was dreaming of 'Jimmy' all night. 

'T wish you could see the beautiful country, and how, last 
evening, I rode out on 'Leet' to see the famous bridges over 
Bull Run, so often burnt by the Rebels ; it is one of the wildest 
spots I ever saw ; on all sides you see war and its ruins. Hun- 
dreds of car wheels and machinery are lying in masses. The 
heavy stone work of the bridge is marked and blackened by 
powder. 

" 'Alex' has an ironclad car or battery standing in a deep 
cut that commands the fort, and so rode down to give orders 
in case an attack should be made. I will become quite brave 
if I remain here much longer, but I will be glad for the quiet 
of home, though we have a pleasant set of officers. 'Dave' 
Shields is well, but very busy, and as happy as a king. 

"This afternoon the general meets his field officers to 
•organize a school of instruction for the officers. 

"Noon. 

"I have just returned from a visit to the brigade hospital. 
They use a large barn, which holds over 40 beds; everything 
is just as clean and neat as hands can make them. The men 
were glad to see the general, as he often visits them. I took 
them a large bundle of newspapers. 

"I wish you would go and see if Mrs. Fitzgerald needs 
any more sewing. She might make Rachie some muslin shirts. 
The muslin is in my wardrobe drawer. Take the coarsest. 

" 'Alex' has a long letter written to father, but he has no 
time to finish it today, but I hope to see it off tomorrow. 

"Give my best love to all. How is mother's cold? Do 
write soon. 

"Yours, 

"Annie." 

In the midst of such scenes as Mrs. Hays so graphically 
describes, it is most pleasing to observe that her heart is at 
"home with her little ones and she is most solicitous for their 
comfort, and anxious always, and the explicit directions here 
seem most motherly. 



302 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



MRS. HAYS TO MRS. JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Union Mills, Monday, January 26, 1863. 
"My Dear Mother : 

"I cannot promise you a very long letter today, as we are 
cleaning house in anticipation of General Casey's visit tomor- 
row. I have had the second story cleaned and they are now 
at the dining room. I expected to leave here on Wednesday 
[28th] but yesterday General Heintzelman telegraphed he 
would be here on Thursday, and as these visits are considered 
quite a compliment, I do not see how I could leave, with pro- 
priety. 

"If I only knew how the children are getting along, I 
would feel better, but I am a little homesick. I have received 
no letters for one week, but they sent a messenger to the city 
yesterday and I do hope he will bring some. I feel sure some 
person has written. 

" 'Alex' is very well, but as usual, busy. He rode nearly 
30 miles on horseback yesterday, and felt very much fatigued, 
of course, but he was, as usual, the first up this morning, and 
going again down the picket line. 

"We see any number of war committees, who come to look 
after the different regiments. On Friday we had 10 for dinner. 
They appeared much pleased to dine with a real general, and 
I have no doubt, will speak well of things at home. 

"I wish you could see the brigade hospital; it is a model 
one, but 'Alex' leaves nothing undone for the comfort of his 
men, and he stands high in favor. I should not be surprised 
to see two stars upon his shoulder before many months. 

" 'Alex' sends love to all. 

"Yours, 

"Annie." 

MRS. HAYS TO MRS. JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Union Mills, January 26, 1863. 
"My Dear Mother : 

"After supper 'Alex' and I came up to our room. 'Alex^ 
drew on his slippers, and was telling me how weary he felt, 
when rap, rap, goes the door ; in came A. A. G. Schreiber, who 
told us that a signal had been thrown up, from a hill beyond, 
and while 'Alex' drew on his boots, two more signals were 
seen from the same place. 'Dan' was ordered out and orders 
given to the guards. The general, with Capt. Schreiber and 
Lieut. Shields, with orderlies, were off to the picket line. The 
regiments and batteries hold themselves to march at a given 
signal. The night is lonely, and when I look from my window 
all is so quiet and peaceful, it is very hard to believe we are 
in the midst of war. I do not feel excited, for I think the 
signals may have been from our own videttes. Still, we must 
be ready, if they do come. It is now 9 o'clock, and all is quiet. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 305 

"The day has been a very exciting one here ; as 25 deserters 
were caught making their way over the line. They came in; 
with a strong guard, and the general sent them to Washington 
by the afternoon train. This afternoon I received a letter 
from father of the 17th, more than a week old. But no others. 
But a large mail is expected tomorrow. 

"Tell father that Colonel Allen,^ of the 151st Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers is from Warren, not from Pittsburgh. His 
lieutenant-colonel is McFarland from Juniata County. He is 
an excellent soldier.^ 

*T hear that one of the Philadelphia papers gives Mr. 
Hays quite a puff. I could not get the paper, or find out the 
name. It had been sent to some of the officers. The men are 
well pleased with their general, though he does read the law 
very plainly. 

"My house is all scrubbed out. The dining room is 
trimmed with evergreen. In my cellar I have a splendid roast 
of beef, several dozen eggs, fresh butter and good milk; also 
potatoes, turnips and cabbages. So you see I am all_ ready 
for Generals Heintzelman and Casey. As soon as their visit 
is over I leave, for I am afraid Linton needs me. I only hope 
Mrs. Fitzgerald and the children get along well. I will write 
a line in the morning to let you know the result of tonight's 
work. No sign of the general yet, 9 130 o'clock. 

"The flag the general sent to father was taken from Gen- 
eral Casey's division by the Rebels at Fair Oaks. Then recap- 
tured by the 63rd Pennsylvania Volunteers at Fair Oaks. 

"The cup was given to Mr. Hays by General Kearney. 
It was one he had used for some time. Don't you wish me 
to bring you home some shells, as there is any quantity near 
here? 

"I have seen 'Dan' and 'Leet.' They look well. David 
Shields' horse is a perfect beauty. 'Dave' has not come to 
camp yet. He has been on business with the 63rd. 

"Annie." 

MRS. HAYS TO MRS. JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Union Mills, Thursday, January 29, 1863. 
"Dear Mother: 

"I commenced this some days ago, but for two days I 
have been suffering with some headache. It is now over, and 
I am as well as usual. 'Alex' wrote to father yesterday, and 

1 Colonel Harrison Allen, after the war auditor general of Penn- 
sylvania, whom Mr. McFadden has confounded with his friend, 
Edward J. Allen of Pittsburgh, Colonel of the 155th Regiment, Penn- 
sylvania "Volunteers. 

2 Mrs. Hays speaks most truly of Colonel George F. McFarland. 
The 151st was desperately engaged at Gettysburg, in line with the 
First Corps, where Colonel McFarland lost a leg. 



304 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



one the day before, so you keep well posted up. General Casey 
has not come yet, as the change in the army will prevent him ; 
so I hope to have him next Monday, and will remain but a 
short time in Philadelphia. I had a letter from William Horst- 
mann some days ago. He had seen Alden, who is very impati- 
ent for my coming. 

"Well, I must tell you the finale of the alarm the other night, 
3.S nothing came of it. 'Alex' supposes it was made from one 
of the houses; still, the efifect was good for the men. The general 
compliments them for their turnout, his artillery especially. 

"I do wish father could see them drill. They are as near 
perfection as it is possible, but I wish to write to Alden. 

"Love to all at home and Linton. 

"Yours 

' "Annie." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"January 2y, 1863. 
^'DearSir: 

"I have left all my correspondence in the hands of Annie, 
-since her arrival here, as I am required to be more or less on 
horseback and when not so engaged, engaged with official 
duties. I can assure you I hold no sinecure. Annie today has 
a severe headache, and as it is storming out of doors, I am at 
home and write. 

"It was our intention to have gone to Washington this 
day, but I received information that General Casey would 
pay us a visit, and another that General Heintzelman would 
visit tomorrow. Again I am ordered, from headquarters, to 
inspect my post at Centreville on the 31st. This will require 
me to defer my trip to Washington until the first of February. 

"We are all well and enjoy ourselves. The exercise I am 
required to take invigorates me. My lameness has almost 
entirely disappeared. So far, I have no assurance that my 
command will stand fire, but I am assured by all of the officers, 
that improvements are daily perceptible, both in the morale 
and discipline of the men. 

"Although the brigade has been identified with one of 
the most disgraceful surrenders of the war and suffers a 
corresponding sense of humiliation, I have full confidence that 
in time, 'The War Cry of Harper's Ferry' will incite them to 
rival the deeds of older and more fortunate soldiers. 

"God knows what we are coming to. Today we have news 
of Burnside's resignation, and the removal of Sumner and 
Franklin. If from faults of theirs, it is most disgraceful, but 
that is no concern of ours, here on the frontier, and we will 
still endeavor to do our duty to the end. 

"Our love to all the dear folks at home, and kind remem- 
brances and regards to all friends. So much I have written, 
too late for the train. "Alex " 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 305 

General Hays' confidence in his brigade was not mis- 
placed. The men felt their degradation and were most willing 
to redeem themselves from most cruel aspersions from a cause 
entirely without their power. The general did not exactly 
prophesy here. He spoke from experience; he knew soldiers. 
He was a maker of soldiers, a trained hand at the business, 
and when Gettysburg came, Hays' old brigade, then under 
Colonel George L. Willard of the 125th New York, was on 
the front line, and its deeds and losses there will form a large 
part of the chapter on Gettysburg herein. 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

,,^ "Union Mills, January 28, 1863. 

Dear Sir: 

"You have expressed a wish that I should write to you, 
which always gives me pleasure, when I undertake it. As I 
have now, I hope, to your satisfaction. As a general thing, 
however, you must consider yourself as a common creditor^ 
to whom I am willing to pay interest on heavy debts of long 
standmg, expecting, of course, a continuance of former favors. 

•T am confident that since Annie's [Mrs. Hays] arrival 
here, nothing of passing interest has occurred, which she has 
not noted for home use. 

"We are on the frontiers of Washington, and no one can 
be more puzzled than myself to understand the move on the 
chess board upon which I am but a knight at best. 

"In the language of our correspondents, the President 
expressmg 'full faith and confidence in your loyalty, etc.,' has 
entrusted me with a force of 4,000 men, to guard a picket line 
of 15 miles. 

"I am expected, of course, if whipped, to fall back on 
somebody else, who will gain all the credit, if there is any, 
thereby alarming the defenses at Washington, which will 
bristle with 70,000 bayonets. Tools make feasts, and wise 
men eat them.' 

"I have around me quantities of Dr. Martin and Com- 
pany's stores, baits for Rebel raids. To defend them I have 
one green Pennsylvania regiment of 500 men ; another New 
York, 400 men, but I have Hasting's Battery of six guns [vide 
Horstmann's Sons of Philadelphia.] ^ 

1 Hastings' Independent Battery of Philadelphia, a one-year 
organization, recruited in August, 1862, under Capt. Matthew Hast- 
ings: First lieutenants, John V. Creely, Stephen Poulterer; second 
lieutenants, John Roberts and John Sailor. This battery re-enlisted 
under Capt. Hastings in the summer of 1864 for 100 days. In the 
fitting out of this battery the Horstmann brothers were reputed to 



306 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"Five miles up, I have the post of Centreville, commanded 
by the famous redoubtable Colonel d'Utassy, with two regi- 
ments of infantry and a battery of six guns. 

"At Fairfax Court House, two miles distant, I have one 
regiment of infantry, numbering no more than 400 officers 
and men. 

"Nearly all these troops were surrendered at Harper's 
Ferry and marched through Pittsburgh in disgrace. ^ 

"I do not look upon my assignment here as a judgment, 
but rather according to the rules of our church, regard it as 
a trial. I am conceited enough to believe, although under diffi- 
culties, I can whip any Rebel force that may honor us with a 
visit. 

"You can imagine the pleasure of long rides, and I think 
'Dave' Shields begins to realize them. He stands it bravely. 
Annie will leave in a few days, and then our lives will be all 
horseback. Our quarters are pleasant, and the surrounding 
country presents many scenes of interest. Within 20 feet of 
the place on which I write, the ground drank the blood of 
one of our soldiers, killed in one of Jackson's raids. There is 
good fighting ground here, four points in each mile [if the 
troops will fight], which we will see hereafter. 

"I will go with Annie to Washington, and after my return, 
if the 'Rebs' will not come to see my artillery, I will convert 
them into dragoons, and go to see the 'Rebs,' as I am deter- 
mined to keep the country before me clear. 

"You ask me for my opinion of our affairs confidentially. 
Use it as you please, what I give. Unless this war takes a 
new phase, within six months, with traitors at home, and the 
almost indomitable courage and perseverance of the Rebels, 
we will be forced to acknowledge their independence, and 
Pennsylvania will be left a 'big unit,' to take care of herself. 
It is not that my full faith in the justice of our cause is in the 
least shaken, but that I believe that the time of a Good Provi- 
dence has not arrived. When I see France riding single-shod 
over Mexico, when we are so embroiled, I cannot look on it 
else, than as a national judgment. Our terror of the world 



have been large contributors. The 39th New York and the 111th 
New York were at Centreville. The 126th New York were at Union 
Mills. The post at Fairfax Court House was subsequently garrisoned 
by General Stoughton's brigade, relieving the 125th New York. For 
a complete roster of the troops of Casey's division vide Appendix F. 
The Pennsylvania infantry regiment was the 151st, Colonel Harrison 
Allen, a splendid organization, although a nine months regiment, 
which proved its worth most loyally at Gettysburg under Lieut. - 
Colonel McFarland. 

1 Troops surrendered at Harper's Ferry in September, 1862, by 
Colonel Dixon S. Miles in command of the garrison there, and sent 
to Chicago via Pittsburgh to Camp Douglass on parole. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 307 

'the Monitor,' has gone down in a cahn ^ after having fulfilled 
her mission, and I am more than ever impressed with the 
belief that we are but instruments in the hands of our Omnipo- 
tent Providence, working His own ways, by His own means. 

"No power but God's own, could have prevented our suc- 
cess, and if it is His will, in full faith in the final result, I am 
willing to submit to His disposal. I could spend my time 
writing sermons and beliefs, but I must ask indulgence, by 
quoting the Irishman's point, which was an owl, with the 
Irishman's explanation of the bird's want of speech : 'If he 
didn't speak, he kept up a devil of a thinking.' 

"I am forced to close. Otherwise, I will again have to 
delay the train. I will endeavor to write often after Annie 
leaves. Love to all. 

"Alex Hays." 

The general's philosophy here was that of many at the 
time. After Fredericksburg in the East and Stone's River 
in the West, the Union cause was most dark. Chancellorsville 
but increased the gloom, and correspondingly raised the 
already exulting spirits of the Confederates to the highest 
pitch and then the trend of events swung quickly to Gettys- 
burg and Vicksburg, and the Confederates' star, if it ever was 
a star, waned to its eternal setting. But it is apparent that 
Alexander Hays, troubled in mind, loyal, yet heartsick, had 
not lost hope. His faith was sublime, and one can but deeply 
regret he was not spared to see the end. 

MRS. HAYS TO MRS. McFADDEN 

"Union Mills, Saturday, January 31, 1863. 
"Dear Mother : 

"After all our waiting and preparation, neither General 
Heintzelman or Casey came, as the late change in army com- 
manders prevented them. General Heintzelman is to have an 
important command in active service, and General Casey takes 
the defenses of Washington. From what we hear, things are 
going to move briskly. Another draft is to be made of 300,000 
men. Mr. Hays is in hopes that he will be ordered to join 
Heintzelman in the field, but I hope not. His position here 
is good. I dread another battle. 

"No letters from home since the date 17th. I feel very 
anxious to hear how the folks at Linton are getting along. 

1 The general is here guilty of an inadvertence. The Monitor 
went down in a terrible storm off Hatteras, January 2, 1863, a few 
week's previous to his writing this letter. The vessel was really 
not seaworthy and was in tow of a steamer and on foundering, 
carried down 16 of her crew. 



308 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

We leave here on Monday. I go to Philadelphia on Tuesday, 
remain there two days, when I will be glad to turn my face 
homeward, though 'Alex' protests against it ; but I think Henry 
will be able to manage things very well. 

"Night before last, Mr. Hays and Lieut. Shields left 
here at 7 o'clock in the evening, visited all the camps and 
batteries, through the picket posts, to Centreville, and got 
back here just as day was breaking, pretty well used up, and 
in a very bad humor, as they found the guards in many of 
the camps asleep. Colonel d'Utassy ^ they took prisoner as 
they walked through his quarters, unmolested. The officers 
were much mortified about it, and think they will not be 
caught napping again. They are just learning the difference 
between the orders given by a soldier and the militia. Now, 
today he has gone to Centreville to inspect the arms and equip- 
ments. On Wednesday we had a heavy fall of snow, and the 
roads are almost impassible in places. The snow drifts are 
two feet deep. David Shields is well, but anxious to hear from 
home, as it is nearly a month since he received a letter. 

"I feel anxious to hear how James is, as father speaks of 
him not being well. 

"I do hope when I move to 'Kenridge' he will make up 
his mind to come and live with me. 

"I had hoped to write you a long letter, but as we have 
some officers here from Washington for dinner, and as the 
general is not at home, I must do the honors. 

"Tell Gilbert ^ one of the soldiers is making him a boot- 
jack of black walnut from Bull Run. Love to all. 

"Yours, 

"Annie." 

"I had two serenades last night, one vocal, the other 
instrumental. Both excellent. Direct your letters for me to 
Horstmann & Bros. I hope to get long letters when I arrive in 
Philadelphia. 

"Kenridge," the new home of the Hays', was the Brack- 
enridge homestead on Center avenue, just beyond Reed street. 
The house, a stone one, is still standing, though modernized, 
and has been for many years occupied by Mr. Samuel Ewart, 
whose wife, now deceased, was Miss Cornelia Brackenridge. 
The avenue in the rear is called for the Brackenridge family. 

1 The full story of this night's happenings will be told later in 
connection with the capture of General Stoughton. 

2 Gilbert Adams Hays, the general's son. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 309 



MRS. HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Union Mills, Sunday Morning, Feb. i, 1863. 
"Dear Father : 

"I was much surprised to see Mr. Mclntyre ^ last evening. 
He had to walk from Alexandria here, a distance of 23 miles. 
I gave him a good supper, and this morning the general 
attended to getting his papers ; so he goes home, I hope, feel- 
ing better. He will be able to tell you all the camp news. 

"I now do not know at what time I can get to Washing- 
ton, as the paymaster is hourly expected. We may go tomor- 
row, so you had better direct your letters to Horstmann & 
Brothers, as I will leave as soon as possible. 

"David Shields had a letter from his sister yesterday, the 
first he has received. 

"My love to mother and the family. 

"Yours, 

"Annie." 

MRS. HAYS TO HER FATHER, JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Union Mills, Tuesday, February 3, 1863. 
"My Dear Father: 

"Yesterday we received seven letters from home. Some 
directed to 442, and the others to this camp, the last date was 
Friday, the 30th. We were both so pleased to have such good 
accounts of the children. We hope dear mother and James 
are better, 

"Before this reaches you, Mr. Mclntyre will have told 
you how we are situated and all the camp news. Since he 
left we have had a Mr. and Mrs. Parker of Troy, N. Y., who 
came to see their son, a lieutenant of ordnance and aid-de- 
camp. I took them all around to see the ironclad battery, over 
Bull Run bridge, so they go home this afternoon delighted 
with their visit. 

"Mr. Hays is getting along first rate. He has gone to 
Fairfax Court House and Centreville to move one of his regi- 
ments to the latter place. 

"As to the feeling in the army, about the change in com- 
manders, I only hear a little, but I think all are satisfied, not 
from any want of confidence in Burnside, but he had only 
defeat in everything he undertook. Hooker is known to be a 
dashing, fighting officer, and the men require that kind of 
spirit to lead them to battle. I think things look brighter. 
They certainly do in this brigade. It is useless to talk of the 
men fighting unless their officers are willing to lead them. No 
move can be made until the roads are in better condition. 

1 Daniel Mclntyre, a soldier of Company I, 63rd Regiment, and 
after the war a well known captain and pilot on the rivers about 
Pittsburgh. 



310 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"We were glad to receive a telegram from General Casey 
this morning, telling Mr. Hays his picket line is to be reduced 
about one-half. I hope this will cause a decrease of the sick 
list, as there are now 400 of this brigade unfit for duty. The 
regimental hospitals are all well conducted; the surgeons 
attentive and kind. 

"You would be pleased to see and hear the general's 
bugler. He is a Prussian ; mounted upon a good horse, he 
rides to the front and sounds the different calls with the ease 
and dignity of a prima donna. 

"Mr. Hays has built a small fort to command a fort in 
Bull Run. The officers have christened it Fort Hays. Also 
the camps at Centreville are all named for him. 

"I have just sent out two flags to the prisoners' camps, 
made of red flannel. I did not make a speech. 

"I cannot say when I will be able to start home. Mr. 
Hays pleads but a few days longer. I will write from Wash- 
ington. I enclose the proper direction for letters, as the num- 
ber of the brigade is to be changed. 

"Please let the Shields family know David is doing first 
rate. The general plagues David a great deal about his mus- 
tache. 

"Love to dear mother and all the family. 

"Yours, 

"Annie." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Union Mills, Va., February 9, 1863. 
"Dear Wife : 

"In expectation that this will greet your arrival at home, 
I write. Soon after your departure from Washington, I 
received a dispatch from Schreiber, marked very important. 
It announced an attack on my pickets at Yates' Ford. I went 
at once to General Casey's and took possession of the telegraph 
office. I found Schreiber, on 'Lady,' seeking for the cause of 
alarm. In an hour it came. The alarm on the picket line was 
General Stoughton's pickets shooting rabbits. I had a good 
deal of sport out of it. Heintzelman was furious, and I have 
claimed of General Stoughton half the game, on any occasion 
hereafter, when his pickets go a-gunning. 

"I had a long, interesting and satisfactory interview with 
Heintzelman, and carry my head higher, although I am not 
more 'beautiful' than any other commander in the 'Army of 
Defenses.' 

"Colonel Wyndham ^ is played out, and new arrangements 
are expected on our lines. 

1 Sir Percy Wyndham, colonel of the 1st New Jersey Cavalry, 
who was shortly afterwards relieved of his command, a cavalry 
brigade. Wyndham was a soldier of fortune and had seen service in 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 311 



"In Washington I called upon Governor Curtin and had 
a long talk with him. He professes, and I believe, holds a 
good opinion of me now. It was announced to me, openly, 
that I would receive another star within 90 days. I am not 
flattered, and will not be disappointed if the star fails to rise. 

"There is evidently something afloat, as I found several 
of my colonels making application for 'the old shoe' I am 
expected to leave. The time has arrived, and not too soon, 
when the administration is looking around for competent, 
loyal men, to lead us through the wilderness. I will go to 
Centreville today, as the 39th and the iiith [New York] are 
getting anxious about their pay. 

"I understand that I have gained their full confidence, 
and they ask my assurance that they will be paid soon. 

"Breakfast is announced, and 'Dan' is at the door. I will 
write again in a day or two. My health and strength are 
improving every day. God bless all at home, and love to all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

NEWS FROM THE 6 3RD 

"Headquarters, 63rd Regiment, Pa. Vols., 

"February 10, 1863. 
"Mr. John B. McFadden, 
"Dear Sir : 

"Your welcome letter, bearing date January 28, came to 
hand in due mail. I received the few lines you wrote to me, 
concerning Sergeant Peters ^ of the regiment. I must say in 
reply that at present I cannot procure him a furlough, but I 
hope in a short time I can, for I consider him one of the good 
boys of the old 63rd. They are both giving leaves to officers 
and furloughs to enlisted men at present, but in this way : 
When the full complement of field officers is present, one can 
get a leave, two line officers at one time, two enlisted men to 
every 100 men present for duty. At that proportion we are 
entitled to seven furloughs, which we have at present, and 
Sergeant Peters did not apply to the complement he was in. 

"Happy to hear from Mr. 'Alex' Speer, and also Mr. 
Thomas Bell, and your lordship. I was sorry to hear that 



the Italian war and had been dashing and efficient in the Valley 
campaign of the Spring of 1862. Wyndham will be mentioned later. 
Wyndham's brigade at Gettysburg was commanded by Brig.-General 
Farnsworth, who was killed there. It consisted of the 5th New 
York, 18th Pennsylvania, 1st Vermont, 1st West Virginia, cavalry 
of Stahel's division, Stahel having been relieved by General Kil- 
patrick, June 29, 1863. 

1 Sergeant William W. Peters, Company D, 63rd Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, after the war a well known contracting painter in Pitts- 
burgh. 



312 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



Colonel A. S. M. Morgan was not improving faster, for his 
case is one of pity. But I hope he will recover. 

"I remembered you to the adjutant, and I expect before 
this comes to hand you will either have seen or heard that 
Major John A. Danks is at home on leave of absence. 

"Now for a report of the 63rd Pennsylvania Volunteers. 
The health of the regiment is good. The men in good spirits. 
We have 417 present for duty and 644 present and absent. 
The weather has been very disagreeable here this winter. We 
have had several snow storms, and a great deal of rain. The 
roads, as usual in Virginia, very bad. Of late, a number of 
changes have been made in the Army of the Potomac. Since 
General Burnside has been relieved of the command, I wish 
that General Heintzelman would be assigned to our corps, 
and General 'Alex' Hays to our brigade, now commanded by 
Colonel Van Valkenburg of the 20th Indiana Volunteers, sen- 
ior colonel of the brigade. ^ 

"Having nothing of importance to write, I will close. Per- 
haps you would like to hear how I stand the winter. I must 
say very well. Better than I expected. My limb is still 
improving, but slowly. I can walk tolerably well, but soon 
get tired. 

"My kind regards to your family, and to Mrs. General 
Hays and family, and also to yourself, 

"I remain yours truly, 

"W. S. Kirkwood." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Union Mills, Va., February 11, 1863. 
"Dear Wife : 

"Indicative of the effects of the system of training estab- 
lished over me during your late sojourn, behold the second 
epistle written, both within one week, from your 'hegira.' 
Have you read 'Harpers' of last month? ^ If not, get it and 
find therein 'The Rarey Method,' and therein you will find a 
lesson which, if fiction is founded on fact, in it you will dis- 
cover the true system for the management of 'unruly brutes.' 
It is hardly necessary to refer you to the matter now, as your 
own practice while with me so far excelled that laid down, 
that I consider your own perfection of it is only chronic. 

"I am 'chock full' of news. In fact, I think one of the 
popular dailies would give a large amount for the shaking of 
me, but I will not have time to communicate all I know. 
Colonel Count d'Utassy goes to Washington to tender his 
resignation, in dread that it will not be accepted. Charges 

1 Colonel John Van Valkenburg. 

2 Harpers' Magazine, December, 1862. "The Rarey Method," 
by K. T. Williams. Rarey was a celebrated horsetamer of those days. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 313 

have accumulated against him to an awful extent, and it is. 
all he can do. I really pity him and also his right bower, 
Mrs. B. She really takes the affair most deeply to heart, and 
looks as old as Methuselah's sister. Poor Schreiber and 'Bis- 
quit Scantio' ^ are involved. 

"The 151st 2 are ordered away, and thank the Lord, that 
there is no bitter without some sweet, as I got rid of that 
colonel. After d'Utassy's departure, I suppose I will have ta 
move quarters to Centreville. Although it will go hard to 
part with its associations from Union Mills. 

"We have a little pig as a pet, all and alone, except my 
crowing rooster, that is left for me. 

"A few days ago 'Bisquit Scantio' got a blow from his gray 
horse which quite discouraged him. It was most amusing ta 
have his account with pantomime of the action. As a conse- 
quence, the 'fearful brute' was turned over to me for summary 
punishment. I rode him over the roads, as they are, to Centre- 
ville in 40 minutes, and found him to be a noble animal, and 
aspire to own him. 

"Kennedy ^ has gone home, and you will see him. 'Dave's' 
horse has given out, slightly, and he is now bargaining with 
a chaplain for another. 'Dave' thinks some of our rides are 
'darned hard,' but still enjoys them. 

"My scattering love to all the young ladies, and my most 
sincere love to all at home. God bless you all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Union Mills, Va., February 14th, 186-^. 
"Dear Wife: 

"It has this minute struck me that this is St. Valentine's 
day and this will be my valentine to 'the best woman in the 
v^orld' [except, perhaps, dear mother]. That is another valen- 
tine for her. I would 'dance like a fairy' if I could have her 
here for only one week. Since I lost 'my own special cor- 
respondent' by consequence of departure for Philadelphia, I 
am constrained to do my own letter writing, for which I am 
totally unfitted when so much of the pronoun T is required. 
I will tell you, however, what Mr. I did yesterday: 

1 The general's facetious interpretation of the name, Biscaccianti. 

2 The 151st Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, transferred to 
Reynold's First Corps, Army of the Potomac. Reference to the 
"colonel," is undoubtedly to d'Utassy of whom much more will be 
said. The general was sorry to lose the 151st. They were "good 
stuff." 

3 Thomas Rustin Kennedy, aide to General Hays, first lieuten- 
ant Company F, 9th Pennsylvania Reserves, detached. 



314 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"Colonel Stagg ^ of the cavalry brought me the informa- 
tion that 45 of his men had been attacked by superior forces 
of the enemy. I had been very busy all day, in shipping the 
151st Pennsylvania and was very tired, but I forgot my 
troubles when I heard the news. After dinner I started with 
100 cavalry, and 40 mounted artillery, in command of Lieut. 
Creely, an ambulance and a surgeon. Bull Run was high, 
almost swimming our horses, but with a hope that we might 
meet the Rebels, all took water with a will, for my part, I 
got two boots full. After seven miles' ride, we arrived at the 
scene of action. Several dead horses was all that was left 
to indicate it. We found one dragoon, very badly wounded, 
and several others more or less so. 

"The 'Rebs.' had left, and we returned home, without 
firing a shot. It was after dark, and I, for one, was wet, 
hungry and tired. I slept soundly, but when I awoke this 
morning, to write to you, I discovered that I had contracted 
a cold, which would kill a nigger. 

"I have lost the 151st, and receive, in exchange, some of 
the Pennsylvania Reserves." The only other additions I have 
received, is the gray horse, who is a devil, and consequently, 
has been christened Count [Biscaccianti]. 

"Writing so often, and having received not one word from 
you, even of your safe arrival at Philadelphia, I cannot be 
expected to write very long letters. 

"Love to all the dear ones. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Union ]\Iills, Va., February 17th, 1863. 
''Dear Wife : 

"I know I wrote to you on the 14th, because I wrote a 
valentine, and I believe this will be the fifth, if not the sixth, 
I have written you, since you left, whereas, I have received 
from you the two only, sent from Philadelphia, and received 
after the return of Capt. Hastings.^ He was delighted with 
his visit home, and brought me a box of bon bons, on his own 
account, and better still, a box of excellent tobacco from W. 
Horstmann. I sent to the Horstmanns a general invitation 

1 Colonel Peter Stagg, First Michigan Cavalry — a celebrated 
regiment, afterward part of the Michigan Brigade under General 
Custer. 

2 The 1st Reserve Regiment, or 30th Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
of which R. Biddle Roberts of Pittsburgh had been colonel, though 
a Philadelphia regiment. What developed in this connection appears 
in subsequent letters. 

3 Matthew Hastings, captain Keystone Battery of Philadelphia. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 315 

to visit us, and if any of them come I will at least make them 
very welcome. 

"Since your departure, we have enjoyed several little 
excitements. Such as, I believe I mentioned. The whipping 
of our cavalry a few miles in front of me, and our trip to bring 
in the wounded, almost swimming our horses to cross Bull 
Run, and our return without an opportunity of punishing the 
guerrillas. 

"Although I lost nothing, I caught a very severe cold. 
I rode 'The Count' whose fort is to lie down in every stream. 
The water was deep and the necessity of using spurs caused 
me a thorough wetting. In addition to the cold, a bilious 
attack followed, and I was quite sick for several days. 

'Tn the meantime I learned that one of the Pennsylvania 
Reserve regiments^ had been ordered to report to me for duty. 
Next day arrived 14 ofBcers and 45 men only, with the news 
that the remaining 300 had refused to obey orders. The next 
day, however, they came straggling into camp in great dis- 
order, and insolent. I at once gave them to understand that 
such conduct might pass where they came from, but not here, 
inasmuch as I happened to command. The 126 [New York] 
was notified, as well as the cavalry and artillery, to hold 
themselves ready for action. I assure you that the swagger 
of the mountaineers departed when they piped Hasting's Bat- 
tery, drawn up and ready for action, with the guns' trained 
upon the camp to where they had been ordered. I had been 
in bed all day, but I mounted my horse and rode up to their 
camp to express my determination. If they had given occa- 
sion, I should have blown them sky high. Everything, how- 
ever, passed ofif quietly, and they are now performing 
headquarters guard duty, as orderly as any troops I ever saw. 
This regiment is that formerly commanded by Colonel R. B. 
Roberts. The most remarkable thing in the affair is that the 
regiment in body is preparing a petition asking to be assigned 
permanently with me. 

"I hope it is not necessary to caution my friends as to 
the use of the above. It does not look well, coming from me, 
and will otherwise get into the newspapers. 

"I have much more to write, but am restricted for time, 
at present. Colonel d'Utassy ^ has gone to Washington on 
sick leave, having ostensibly discovered suddenly a cancer 
in his stomach, but in fact, to escape numerous serious charges. 
Madame B. is also in Washington, and will, I suppose, follow 

1 The troubles with the 1st Reserves take up considerable of 
the general's letters. In the end the 1st Reserves and the general 
became great friends, as will appear. They were not mountaineers, 
however, mainly from Philadelphia and vicinity. 

2 d'Utassy, in a newspaper sense, is a prolific source of items. 
His full history will be given later. 



316 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

the colonel's fortunes. The only lady resident now at this 
post is Mrs. Hannah Stafford/ in the 'culinary department.' 
"There now, I think I have done ver}'^ well for you, 
although I have much to say for your own private benefit. 

"I have to write to Governor Curtin, and several other 
official letters. 

"Love to all, and that means all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Union Mills, Va., February 23, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"You receive now all my epistolary favors for two reasons. 
The first, because I have little time to write, and the next, 
because I recognize you the first best, as you will be the last, 
if it is God's pleasure, to whom I have anything to impart.- I 
have not been well, by consequence of ache for the last few 
days. I explained the wherefore, by consequence of a ducking 
I received in Bull Run some time ago. The weather is dread- 
ful. Bull Run has been very high, and given us a sense of 
security. Now it is again low, and within the last hour I have 
reports from Centreville and Casey's cottage, that signals are 
making over on the field of Bull Run. The artillery are horsi- 
fied and the cavalry saddled, although I believe there will be 
need for neither, as Bull Run is too high, and the water too cold, 
except for 'cold water' demonstration, which would be rather 
hazardous for the Rebels' first run. 

"It has been terribly dull since you left, and no one speaks 
of your departure with more apparent regret than poor 
Schreiber. It was demanded of me to accept another regular 
adjutant, but I declined and Schreiber's gratitude is overflow- 
ing. The 'young man' ^ is on the staff as ordnance officer. 
'Dave' Shields returned from Washington today, having in 
charge a large box from home. Very acceptable, I assure you. 
I know nothing of Kennedy, but suppose he will call upon you. 

"Today I received several old letters from home, written 
a month ago, except one, of the 19th from you. I have kept 
my word and written most faithfully, and if you have not 
received, it is no fault of mine. Colonel d'Utassy and madam 
left me 10 days ago, and from appearances, intend to stay 
away. I wish they would. 

"It appears as if young 'Charley' Bacon was the choice 

1 The wife of the general's servant. 

2 The general's last letter was to his wife, the date May 3, 1864. 

3 The "young man," Lieut. Sailor, junior second lieutenant of 
the Keystone Battery. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 317 



for colonel of the 39th [New York] if d'Utassy vacates.^ I 
believe he is qualified, but if he succeeds won't the 'old woman' ^ 

make a spread eagle, and won't I catch . If I do, I'll 

insist upon disbanding- the regiment. 

"Among the letters from home was one from Rachel,^ 
which I, in the simplicity of my heart and brotherly affection, 
imagined was for me. When, lo and behold, she began to 
lecture on the dangers of riding on horseback inasmuch as 
Mrs. Hutchinson had tried it ineffiectually. As I have some- 
what of a reputation in that line, it caused me to look more 
particularly at the directions, when lo and behold, the letter 
w^as intended for you. What does she mean? 

"Poor 'Dan,' for the first time within our acquaintance, is 
sick in the hospital and suffers from a very bad cold. Henry 
protests strenuously against his use, but assures me daily that 
he is convalescent. In the meantime, 'Leet' and 'The Count' 
have splashed considerable mud. I do like to get the two 
young gentlemen close behind on a muddy road, and then 
give 'The Count' the spurs. They do get their nice uniforms 
splashed a little. 

"Time is shortening and no further alarms, but I will 
close. I have in store for you the best love letter ever written 
by man to woman, and you shall have it. Perhaps, I may 
go to Harrisburg on or about the first of March to see about 
the Pennsylvania Reserves. If so, would anybody meet me 
there, and as Artemus Ward says, if so, how many? 

"Love to all the dear ones at home, and all ought to feel 
how dear they are to me. I hope for information in the mails 
and prompt delivery of your very welcome letters. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Union Mills, Va., February 25, 1863. 
"Dear Sir: 

"I have received a few letters from home, written long 
ago, excepting one from Annie of the 19th and yours of the 
I2th, which is the last. 

"To satisfy 'Adam' I will inform him that my confidence 
in the cause for which we are fighting, is stronger at present 
than ever before. Mine has become faith, such as Israel's 
when Moses lectured to them. 

"From my present position, I can only draw inferences, 
but I do so from thoroughly reliable information. Of one fact 

1 d'Utassy did not come back and Major Hugo Hildebrandt 
succeeded to the command of the regiment. A few months later 
Capt. Bacon resigned. "Mustered out," General Hays states. The 
records read: "Dismissed May 25, 1863." 

2 "The old woman," an officer's wife, not policy to mention. 

3 Rachel McFadden, the general's sister-in-law. 



318 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



I am satisfied, from actual experience. Demoralization pre- 
vails the South. Refugees and deserters pass through our 
lines in large numbers. Rats, deserting a sinking ship, and 
all their representations are of tyranny and destitution, 
unparalelled. Starvation stares all classes in the face, and 
'the nigger' is forgotten, in solicitation for wives and children. 

"As I am not in my own country, I will venture a proph- 
esy that before the 4th of July next, the cause of the South 
will be so deplorable that the sympathies of the North will 
be aroused by their prayers and sufferings, that we will be 
moved to forgive. 

"As for myself, I am willing to forgive and forget, on Old 
Bob Hays' conditions. 'If I die,' but if I live, I am in favor 
of adopting the resolutions of our Pilgrim fathers, when dis- 
posing of Indian titles, with substitution : 

Resolved, That the South is the Lords' and belongs to His saints. 
Resolved, That we are His saints. 

"Is not that magnanimous?^ 

"For my own little command, although I cannot yet 
entirely reciprocate the confidence placed in me, I believe I 
can whip any equal number of Rebels. With the refractory 
Pennsylvania Reserves, I can whip them, two to one. The 
Reserves came to me hungry and I fed them ; naked, and I 
clothed them, and now, they would follow me to — Dixie. 

"I have written to Governor Curtin a long letter, explana- 
tory, and asking his approval and recommendation, assigning 
me to the Reserves. In three months, with reorganization, I 
can make them the crack corps of the army. 

"My last interview with the governor was most cordial, 
and I think we mutually forget and forgive. I must say a 
word in connection. I have in P. C. Shannon, A. L. Russell 
and, I believe. Dr. King, good and warm friends. ^ 

"I will now close, and promise further developments, as 
they transpire. Do not imagine I have nothing to do. Each 
morning, independent of aids and clerks, I have official com- 
munications to make. This morning I have spent nearly two 
hours signing papers, and I am tired. 

"Wrote to Annie yesterday. God bless her. Her visit 
here was to my own great personal advantage, and she car- 
ried home with her the kind regards of all who knew her. 
Don't tell, or it might spoil her. 

"Love to all, and best regards to friends. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex." 

1 The general, in writing his father-in-law, cannot help phi- 
losophizing. The conclusion of his unique syllogism can well be 
relished, even now. 

2 Judge Peter C. Shannon and Dr. C. B. King of Pittsburgh 
and "Alex" L. Russell of Bedford, adjutant general of Pennsylvania. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 319 



W. M. McGRANAHAN TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Headquarters 63rd Pa. Vols., The Ironclad, 
"Camp Pitcher, near Falmouth, Va., March 2, 1863. 
"John B. McFadden, Esq., 

"Respected Sir : 

"I return the certificate of deposit, properly filled up I 
hope. I found John Calligan in Company E, a fine, honest 
looking Irishman, but like many other brave sons of Erin,, 
now battling with us for the land of their adoption, unfortu- 
nately, cannot write. His mark, I thought, would answer, 
with Sergeant-Major Young and myself as witnesses to the X. 

"Capt. Ryan ^ arrived Saturday, looking much improved 
by his 10 day's stay in [near] the 'Smoky.' I believe a 10 days 
'snuffing' of Pittsburgh coal soot would benefit each individual 
one of the 'veterans,' could it be had, but it is not to be had, 
for soon the hour may come to again move forward against 
the 'Butternuts' [Rebels] and come it will, as you say in your 
favor per Capt. Ryan ; and when it does come it will find us 
where our much-loved and brave colonel [the general] always 
told us it was best to be, 'in the front, where we could see 
what we were doing,' he said. 

"I know, Mr. McFadden, you always felt a great interest 
in us, and that any news from us afforded you pleasure, and 
long ago I determined to write you, in fact, intended posting 
you up regularly, but neglected it or postponed it 'regularly,' 
as I should have written, until I began to think probably you 
had forgotten me, but I found I was mistaken, for in a recent 
letter to Colonel Kirkwood you did me the honor to inquire 
very kindly, inviting me to write. I should have done so at 
once, but I was at that time expecting every day to obtain a 
few days leave to visit the Smoky City, and would then have 
had an opportunity to tell you more of our great little gunboat 
in half a day than I can write in a week, but I was disap- 
pointed, and it may be that I shall have to give up the antici- 
pated pleasure of seeing my friends altogether. I am very, 
very anxious to get home, but the general commanding the 
division decided that I could not be spared at present. Quite 
a compliment to me, if I could only get over the disappoint- 
ment, experienced in the refusal of my leave. 

"Corts writes me from Washington consoling me. Says 
to do as he is doing, 'wait for something to turn up,' like 
'Wilkins Micawber.' 'Something,' I presume, will turn up 
shortly, probably Hooker's preparation for a move. 

"Talking of moving, we make a short move tomorrow 
with the brigade ; change of camp, some two and a half miles 
to the left on account of the scarcity of wood where we are 
now. We have cut and burned nearly every tree within one 
and a half miles of us. It is now too far to carry wood, and 

1 Capt. Ryan, Company I, 63rd Pennsylvania. 



320 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



as we cannot get wagons just when we require them, we 
must move our fires near the line of the forest. It is astonish- 
ing the vast quantity of wood the army consumes in two or 
three months. When we came here about the last of Novem- 
ber, thick pine forests shielded us from the wind on every 
side, and ran down to the river bank almost. Now the steeples 
in Fredericksburg can be very plainly seen from where I write, 
although they are a mile and a half away. 

"From just above my tent the famous 'Crest,' Burnside 
speaks of in his report of the battle, is distinctly visible. I 
wish you were here to go with me to survey the scene of the 
terrible carnage and slaughter of December ii, 12, 13 and 14, 
'62, the scenes of Burnside's Fredericksburg disaster. 

"It is quite interesting and novel to go down to the Rap- 
pahannock and watch the wretched Rebels promenading the 
streets of the city within a stone's throw of you, and looking 
across, one can scarcely believe that that narrow and insignifi- 
cant stream formed the boundary [at present] of more import- 
ance than the vast ocean between Europe and the United 
States. It is the division line here between the northern and 
southern Confederacy, and a fearful one it is. The pickets 
upon the opposite shore are forbidden to hold any conversa- 
tion with each other now, it having been noted that frequently 
quite noisy quarrels, wars of words, were carried on. Some- 
times political debates, and it was feared that some day they 
might open a little engagement across the river without 
authority, to try the range of their guns on the 'Butternuts.' 

"Well, it is drawing near mail hour, and I have not as yet 
said a word about the condition of the 63rd. Let me give 
you the result of this A. M's. report, and then explain it a 
little: 

Present for duty, officers and men 392 

Sick officers and men 34 

Total present 426 

Officers absent, sick, with leave and on detached 

service 9 

Men without leave and with leave 2 

Men on detached service, with corps and absent 

from it 58 

Men absent, sick and wounded in hospitals, North 113 

Aggregate present and absent officers and men. . 608 

Total officers 34 

Total men 574 

Grand total 608 

"Out of these 113 absent, sick and wounded, there are 
probably 30 that have been discharged from service at hos- 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 321 



pitals on account of disability and the surgeons neglected to 
notify us officially. That would reduce the aggregate to 578 
out of 1,046 Pennsylvanians the colonel brought across the 
Potomac into Virginia one year ago, upon the 2gth day of 
September last. The colonel said, as we moved up toward 
Fort Wadsworth, 'Now boys, we're upon the sacred soil of 
Virginia.' Alas, how many of them never got ofif it. 

"Those reported 'present sick' are [the majority of them] 
but slightly ill. Colds from exposure, etc. Several of them 
are just recovering from measles. Big boys to have measles. 

"The regiment is, I think, more healthy at present than 
it has been at any time during the winter. We are all in good 
spirits and are longing for spring, with its campaign. But it 
must hasten. 

"Please remember me kindly to Mrs. Hays and family, 
also to others of my stranger friends, who know McGranahan 
better than he does them. I will soon again write further of 
the 'war in Virginia,' and tell you of our new camp. 

"This is short, but I will make amends in the next. With 
best wishes for your health and prosperity, I am, sir, with 
great respect, "Truly yours, 

"Wm. M. McGranahan.^ 

COLONEL KIRKWOOD TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

Headquarters 63rd Regt. Pa. Vols., 
Camp Near Potomac Creek, Va., March 7, 1863. 
"Mr. John B. McFadden, 

"Dear Sir: 

"I take the opportunity this morning to inform you that 
your welcome letter by Capt. James Ryan and Capt. T. L. 
Ma3mard came duly to hand. I was happy to hear of you all 
enjoying good health, and also Mrs. General Hays and family, 
and particularly my boy Pearson K., as I will hereafter call 
him. Please inform Pearson to live in hopes and he shall have 
that pistol to shoot 'Rebs.' with. 

"I am sorry to hear of Colonel Morgan's situation. Poor 
fellow, but he has a hard time of it ; but life is sweet. 

"I am glad to hear that you have promoted Mr. Speer to 
be commander-in-chief of firemen. I think he will make quite 
a noble officer. 

"Yours of March 2d — the same to you, good morning, 
Mr. McFadden. Well done, for 'Joe' — he is still my friend. 
Good boy. Pearson,^ what he says first he says last ; he knows 
I am no traitor, and it will take more than human to make 
him believe it. 

1 McGranahan writes in a hopeful vein and gives all the news. 
Poor boy, in two months he received his death wound and lingered 
another, dying on June 2, 1863. 

2 "Joe" and Pearson, Joseph Bushnell, a nephew and Pearson 
[A. P.], the general's son. 



322 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"I trust when I go home, I will have two young men to 
take care of me, and escort me round the city. Happy to hear 
of the health of Mrs. General Hays and family still continuing 
good. I would have answered yours for Capt. Ryan sooner, 
but we were under marching orders, and on the fifth we 
changed camps. We are now some four miles northeast of 
our last camp. The men are quite busy building houses, and 
they will hardly finish today. It is raining, as usual, and the 
last move was to place us nearer the wood, but again we have 
our tents up, the wood will be rather scarce. It is quite hilly 
here in this section of the country, and a short distance from 
my tent, by looking down the creek, I can see the Potomac 
River, but it is a great distance ofif. 

"The health of the regiment is still good. We have 418 
men for duty at present. 

"Having nothing of importance to write, I will close by 
sending my best wishes to your family and Mrs. Hays and 
family and yourself. 

"Believe me, I remain 

"Yours truly, 

"W. S. Kirkwood, 63rd Pa. Vols." ^ 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS HAYS 

"Union Mills, March 8, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"I was made glad yesterday by receipt from you of two 
letters dated February 22nd and 27th. These are all, except- 
ing one, which I acknowledged, and that I have received from 
you since your arrival at home. 

"I have sent special messengers, and sought in vain for 
the failure of our mails. 

"I have written to you and others very frequently, 
and on the 19th of February, wrote a special letter, for which 
you say, 'why don't it come?' 

"Anyone here, who thinks ni}^ life a 'sinecure' had better 
try it on. Since you left, it has been one continual round of 
disturbances and alarms. The ist Pennsylvania Reserves 
behaved so badly that I was compelled to disarm them. Their 
arms are to be returned, but they are not to be trusted, except 
under compulsion. The ist Michigan Cavalry, in the absence 
of Colonel Stagg, also took it into their heads to be unruly, 
and we were called upon to squelch a little rebellion there. 
It did not amount to much, and had its origin on a mistaken 
idea of what constituted fun. 

"Capt. Schreiber is now in Washington, will be back 

1 Colonel Kirkwood, glorious soldier that he was, was also put- 
ting in the last days of his service, for he, too, went down at Chan- 
cellorsville. 



Hays* Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 323 



today or tomorrow. Capt. Biscaccianti, much to my regret, 
has been reHeved. Capt. Means takes his place. ^ 

"Sailer, 'the young man,' is acting adjutant general. 
" 'Dave' Shields is busy all the time with his duties of 
provost marshal. Some days we have 50 refugees and desert- 
ers from the South, averaging at least 25 daily. Two hours 
before the cars leave we are all so occupied that perhaps it 
has cost you one or two letters I intended to write. 

"Alarms were frequent for a few nights, as the enemy came 
to our fort, and kept us busy. One or two of my midnight 
rides reacted severely upon me, and I have suffered the con- 
sequences. 

"Just now 'Dave' announces the arrival of another large 
batch of prisoners, and I will have to proceed to the 'star 
chamber.' 

"I wrote to Agnes a day or two ago. Send my letters 
care of Major J. W. Newell, No. 442 Thirteenth Street, and 
I will send a special messenger after them. 

"Corts has been with us on a visit and is much pleased, 
but not more than I am. 

"In a few days I shall go to Washington, where you shall 
have all you ask, even unto the head of a Rebel in a bread 
basket. 

"Love to all dear ones, and more than I can express to 
yo^^self. «Your husband, 

"Alex." 
GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

,,^ ,,,., "Union Mills, Va., March 9, 1863. 

Dear Wife : > » y> o 

"To quiet any fears you may have on my account, per- 
haps inferred from the accounts you will receive through the 
papers, I write to inform you that I was not the brigadier 
general captured this morning by a Rebel raid at Fairfax 
Court House. It was your handsome young friend. General 
Stoughton.^ He, his men servants, his maid servants, and 
the stranger within his gates ; also all his fine horses and 
beasts of burden, are now en route for Richmond. Although 
much in advance, my lines have never been shaken, although 
I know the 'Rebs' would like a chance at me. The wires are 
out of order, or cut, to Centreville, and I must ride hard today. 

"Love to and God bless all at home. I never was in better 
health or spirit. "Yours 

"Alex." 

1 The general seems to have liked the count, who was a good 
soldier, and Schreiber, when his rascality and Judas acts were fully 
brought to light, completely upset General Hays, who was dumb- 
founded, so great was his confidence in the man. The formal order 
dismissing Schreiber is of date, March 16, 1863. 

2 The Stoughton episode is taken up in the next letter more 
in detail. 



324 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

MOSBY VERSUS STOUGHTON, ET AL. 

This was a most unfortunate affair for General Stoughton, 
and is a most fitting illustration of the adage: "Eternal vigil- 
ance is the price of liberty." Edwin H. Stoughton, born in 
Vermont in 1837, graduated at West Point in 1859, taking 
the five year's course. He was a second lieutenant in the 6th 
Infantry when the Rebellion broke out and resigned March 4, 
1861, became colonel of the 4th Vermont Infantry, served 
acceptably through the Peninsular campaign and was 
appointed a brigadier general of volunteers November 5, 1862 
[General Hays' appointment was September 29, 1862]. 
General Stoughton commanded a brigade in the defenses of 
Washington from November to the date of his capture by 
Mosby at Fairfax Court House, March 8, 1863. His commis- 
sion had expired by constitutional limitation March 4th, a 
few days previously, not having been confirmed by the Senate, 
and was not renewed. He was long a prisoner in Libby, and 
upon his release located in New York and began the practice 
of law there. He died in that city in 1868 at the early age of 
31. It is exhilarating to observe the redoubtable Mosby, the 
slyest fox of the whole Confederacy, one of the first to come 
back lovingly under the old flag and stay there on the payroll, 
never caught General Alexander Hays asleep. This episode 
ruined Stoughton, for he surely should have looked closely 
to his own safety. He was certainly a handsome man, as his 
picture shows. 

In the History of the 126th New York Volunteers the 
Stoughton episode is thus referred to : 

"On the 8th of March, Brigadier General Stoughton was 
kidnapped by the guerrilla, Mosby, in an exceedingly dextrous 
manner. The general's whereabouts were betrayed by the 
famous Rel)el spy, Miss Ford, who carried a pass commanding 
all the Confederates to 'obey, honor, and admire' her. Mo.sby 
got within the line of pickets near Fairfax Court House by 
stationing one of his own men as a sentinel between two of 
our pickets, where he learned the countersign from the patrol. 
He thus got in with 29 men. went, as he says, to Fairfax vill- 
age, rode right up to the general's (|uarters, took him out of 
bed and brought him off. He [Mosby] says: 

"I walked into his room, and shaking him in his bed, said, 
'general, get up.' He said, '\\'hat does this mean?' I .said, 'It 
means that Stuart's cavalry are in possession of this place and 
you are a prisoner.' " 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 325 

The guards were kept silent by a pistol pointed at their 
heads. At the same time Mosby claims that he got 30 other 
officers and privates, and 58 horses.^ 

Much stress has been laid upon this affair because it 
took place within General Hays' lines. Capt. David Shields 
says that Alosby flanked Hays' outposts, which were neces- 
sarily in the air. As a matter of fact, Mosby knew just where 
to go, how to go, and what to do, having for a guide, one 
Ames, a deserter from the 5th New York Cavalry, who knew 
the country well, and who remained with Mosby until killed 
in single combat not long afterwards. The report of the pro- 
vost marshal of Wyndham's Cavalry Brigade is appended 
[Appendix D], which is to be regarded as official. In a recent 
story of Mosby 's men, a chapter is devoted to this incident, 
but the story is hearsay, for the author does not say that he 
was present at the capture and in the story admits the tradi- 
tions of the command. - 

Mosby had with him 30 men, including Ames. It was 
the intention to capture Colonel Percy Wyndham also, but 
that officer was in Washington. Ames and a squad went to 
the colonel's quarters and not finding him, stripped the apart- 
ments of all its valuable effects. Ames had the satisfaction, 
however, to capture his former captain. Barker of the 5th 
New York Cavalry. The Mosby tradition of the dialogue in 
Stoughton's room is different from the I26th's [New York] 
History. Mosby awakened Stoughton by spanking him on 
the bare skin. Stoughton properly horrified at the indignity, 
rose up, and when asked if he had ever heard of Mosby, quickly 
answered "yes; have you got him?" 

Mosby replied, "No, but he has got you," and he had. 
Mosby took away the two officers, 30 enlisted men and 
58 horses. On his return march he started towards Fairfax 
Station, then turned towards Centreville, successfully passing 
the forts in the darkness, swimming Cub Run, then overflow- 
mg, though not without extreme danger, and once across was 
safe, and reached Culpepper Court House in a few hours, 
delivering the prisoners over to General Fitzhugh Lee, who 
had been a schoolmate of Stoughton's at West Point. All of 
which is very interesting and shows how easy it was to cap- 

1 "Disaster, Struggle, Triumph," P. 140. 

2 "Reminiscences of a Mosby Guerrilla," by John W. Munson. 



326 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

ture a "Federal" general in those days, especially when he 
wasn't looking. 

General Alexander Hays had had plenty of experience in 
Mexico with guerrillas, and to him Mosby was a guerrilla, and 
nothing more. It was different with Stoughton. 

MOSBY'S OWN ACCOUNT i 
Mosby tells the story thus : 

"It was on the afternoon of March 7, 1863, that I started 
with 29 men on this expedition. Ames was the only one who 
knew its object. It was pitch-dark before we got near the 
cavalry pickets at Chantilly. We passed in between them 
and Centreville. Here a good point in the game was won, 
for once inside the Union lines we would be mistaken for their 
own men. By an accident one-half of my command got sepa- 
rated in the dark from the other, and it was nearly an hour 
before I could find them. We passed along close by the camp- 
fires, but the sentinels took us for a scouting party of their 
cavalry. 

"We struck the road leading from Fairfax Court House 
to the railroad station and then went on to the village. There 
were a few guards about, but they did not suspect us until 
they saw a pistol pointed at them. Of course, they sur- 
rendered. Some refused to believe we were Confederates 
after we told them who we were. A few sentinels hailed us 
with the formula, 'Who comes there?' and were answered, 
'5th New York Cavalry.' 

"It was past midnight, and it was necessary to do our 
work quickly if it was to be done at all. The first thing I did 
was to detail squads of men to gather prisoners and horses. 
I was more anxious to catch Wyndham than any one else ; 
so I sent Ames, with a detachment, after him. But for once 
fortune had been propitious to him. He had gone down to 
Washington that evening. Ames got two of his staff and his 
uniform, and brought them to me. One of these officers was 
Capt. Barker of the 5th New York Cavalry, who had been 
Ames' captain. Ames brought him to me as a trophy, and 
seemed to feel a malicious pride in introducing him. 

"I had sent another party to the house where Lieut. - 
Colonel Robert Johnstone, commanding the cavalry brigade, 
was sleeping. In some manner he had heard the alarm and 
had slipped out through the back way into the garden in his 
night-clothes. His wife met my men like a lioness at the 
door. The other details did their work rapidly, and soon col- 
lected at our rendezvous in the courtyard a large number of 
prisoners and fine steeds. The prisoners seemed to be utterly 
dumbfounded. 

1 Battles and Leaders of the Civil War. Vol. 3, P. 148. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 327 

"About this time Joe Nelson rode up to me with a prisoner 
who said he belonged to the guard at General Stoughton's 
headquarters, and with a party of five or six I immediately 
went there. We dismounted, and with a loud rap on the 
front door awoke the inmates. An upper window was raised 
and some one called out, 'Who is there?' The answer was, 
'We have a dispatch for General Stoughton.' 

''An officer [Lieut. Prentiss] came to the front door to 
get it. I caught hold of his shirt and whispered my name 
in his ear, and told him to lead me to the general's room. 
Resistance was useless, and he did so. 

"A light was struck, and before us lay the sleeping gen- 
eral. He quickly raised himself in bed and asked what this 
meant. I said, 'General, get up — dress quick — you are a 
prisoner.' 

"'What!' exclaimed the indignant general. 
"My name is Mosby; Stuart's cavalry are in possession 
of this place, and General Jackson holds Centreville. 
" 'Is Fitz Lee here?' 
" 'Yes.' 

" 'Then take me to him; we were classmates.' 
"Very well ; but dress quick. 

"Two of my men assisted him to put on his clothes. My 
motive in deceiving him in regard to the amount of my force 
was to deprive him of all hope of rescue. 

"I was in a most critical situation, for in addition to sev- 
eral thousand troops in the surrounding camps, a considerable 
number were quartered in the houses in the village. If there 
had been the least concert among them they could easily have 
driven us out ; but, although we remained there an hour, not 
a shot was fired ; as soon as our presence became known each 
man tried to save himself. 

"Stoughton did not delay a moment, for he had no idea 
how few of us there were. A couple of men had been left to 
hold our horses while we were in the house. One of these, 
George Whitescarver, surrounded and captured a guard of 
six men sleeping in a tent. Stoughton's horses all stood at 
the door as we came out, with saddles and bridles on. Lieut. 
Prentiss started, but soon parted company with us. We could 
not see where he went. 

"When I got to the courtyard I found all my different 
squads collected there with their prisoners and spoils. No 
sign of resistance had been shown. The prisoners outnum- 
bered us three or four to one, and each was mounted and 
leading a horse. The cavalcade started in an opposite direc- 
tion from where we intended to go, in order to deceive our 
pursuers. After going a few hundred yards we turned and 
flanked the cavalry camp, and struck the pike to Centreville. 

"Stoughton soon discovered how few of us there were. 
I did not allow him to hold his bridle reins, but gave them to 



328 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



one of my men [Hunter], who rode beside him. Stoug^hton 
remarked: 'Tliis is a bold things you have done; but you will 
certainly be caught ; our cavalry will soon be after you.' 
Perhaps so, I said. 

"It was so dark that the blue could not be distinguished 
from the gray. Hence the prisoners all thought there were 
at least loo of us. We lost many of them before we got 
beyond the lines. They were all formed in a column of fours, 
and after we got on the pike I rode some distance in the rear 
while Hunter, with Stoughton, was leading in front. 

"We went at a trot and the chances of our escape were 
improving. No one seemed to be on our track, as our winding 
about had baffled pursuit. It never entered the head of any 
one that I would march up to the pike in the face of 2,000 
or 3,000 troops at Centreville. 

"When within a mile of that place, and just about the 
break of day, we came upon a campfire which had evidently 
just been deserted. A picket had been posted there on the 
evening before to stay during the night. The officer, thinking 
it unnecessary to remain longer, had gone into camp. As we 
had taken the precaution to cut the telegraph wires, no news 
had yet reached Centreville of our work at the Court House. 
When I saw the picket fire on the pike I halted the column 
and galloped forward to reconnoiter. Seeing that no one was 
there, I called to Hunter to come on. 

"It was necessary to make a circuit around Centreville 
and to pass between encampments of Union troops on both 
sides of it. 

"We passed within a few hundred yards of the forts, and 
could see the guns pointing through the embrasures and hear 
the challenge of the sentinels as they walked on the parapets. 
My heart began to beat with joy. The odds were now rap- 
idly getting in my favor. We were soon on the other side of 
Centreville. Although we could be plainly seen from there, 
it was probably supposed that we were a scouting party of 
federal cavalry. 

"When we got to Cub Run, it was so swollen by the melt- 
ing snow that it could not be forded. We were still within 
easy cannon-shot of the guns on the heights, and there was 
no time to be lost. I acted on the maxim of plucking the 
flower safely from the nettle danger, and plunging into the 
brimming stream, swam over. The rest followed, Stoughton 
being next to me. The first thing he said as he shivered 
with cold was, 'This is the first rough treatment I have re- 
ceived.' I knew that no cavalry would ever swim after me. 

"Leaving Hunter to come on with my men and prisoners, 
I galloped on ahead with George Slater and once more got 
on the pike at Groveton. This was the very spot where, the 
year before, Fitz John Porter had made his disastrous assault 
on Jackson, during the second battle of Bull Run. From this 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 329 



hill I had a view of the pike seven miles back to Centreville. 
No enemy was in pursuit. I was safe. Just then Hunter 
appeared and the sun rose. It seemed to me that it never 
shone with such splendor before. 

"I turned over my prisoners to Stuart at Culpepper Court 
House. He was as much delighted by what I had done as 
I was, and published a general order announcing it to the 
cavalry, in which he said that it was 'a feat unparalleled in 
the war.' " 

Of Ames, Mosby says : 

"While I was maturing my plan I received aid from an 
unexpected source. One day a deserter, named Ames, wearing 
the stripes of a sergeant, came to me from a New York cavalry 
regiment of Wyndham's brigade. The Emancipation Procla- 
mation which had been put in operation was the reason he 
gave for deserting the cause of the Union, but I always sus- 
pected that it was some personal wrong he had suffered. He 
seemed to be animated by the most vindictive hatred for his 
former comrades. I felt an instinctive confidence in his sin- 
cerity which he never betrayed. After I had thoroughly tested 
his fidelity I made him a lieutenant. He served with me until 
he was killed in October, 1864." 

How keen General Stuart was to capture Wyndham 
can be inferred from the dispatch below : 

Headquarters Army Northern Virginia, ^ 

March 25, 1863. 
Capt. J. S. Mosby: 

I was very greatly obliged to you for the saddle 
of Stoughton. I wish you would send me whatever 
evidence you may be able to furnish of Miss Ford's 
innocence of the charge of having guided in your 
exploit at Fairfax, so that I can insist on her uncondi- 
tional release. 

We must have that unprincipled scoundrel, 
Wyndham. Can you catch him? Do not get caught. 

J. E. B. Stuart, 

Major General. 

Capt. David Shields of Sewickley, Pa., who was General 
Alexander Hays' 'Fidus Achates' in those days, remembers 
the Stoughton episode perfectly, and gives the following 
account of it : 

1 "Official Records — War of the Rebellion" — Series I, Vol. 25, 
P. 858. 



330 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



CAPT. SHIELDS' ACCOUNT 

"In the early Spring of 1863 there was considerable shift- 
ing of commanders. General Stoughton, upon assuming 
command of his brigade of infantry, established his head- 
quarters in a house at Fairfax Court House. His pickets 
made connection with General Hays' on Hays' left. 

"General Hays was most anxious to know what kind of 
a soldier Stoughton was, and also the kind of a commander 
on whom he had to rely on his left, and any connection was 
most important, and any reliance must be such as the com- 
plete sense of the word only could imply. General Hays, to 
this end, taking an aide with him [Lieut. Shields], made a 
social call upon General Stoughton at the latter's quarters. 
He found Stoughton to be a handsome young man, who had 
previously been in command of a Vermont regiment, and 
having been appointed a brigadier general of volunteers, had 
resigned his colonelcy though his appointment had not been 
confirmed by the Senate ; he was expecting the confirmation 
daily, but it never came, and for good reasons. 

"General Hays was greatly surprised on learning that 
Stoughton had two of his four regiments at Fairfax Station, 
five miles away, on the railroad. The remaining two on lower 
Bull Run and the Occoquan River, of which Bull Run is a 
branch, with the officer in command having his headquarters 
at Woodyard Ford, 12 miles from Stoughton's. 

This plan of the disposition of Stoughton's troops was 
most displeasing to General Hays, especially the small squad 
only at Stoughton's headquarters. \\'hen about to leave, 
General Hays, in passing a room, halted to ask what reason 
a telegraph instrument was in service therein. 

" Til tell you, Hays,' replied Stoughton ; 'that's a wire 
to Fairfax Station, and there's an operator there and the wire 
goes on to Woodyard Ford, where there is also an operator ; 
so that in case of any need, I can sit here and fight by teleg- 
raph.' 

" 'Yes, indeed,' replied Hays, 'a right easy way of fighting.' 

" 'Yes,' assented Stoughton, 'it takes us Yankees to find 
the better way of doing things. You Pennsylvanians are too 
slow.' 

"This nettled General Hays perceptibly, but he said only : 
'Stoughton, from my boyhood up I have been doing more or 
less fighting, and experience has taught me that the nearer 
you get to the other fellow, the better fighting you can do.' 

"When General Hays and his aide rode away, the general 
remarked : 'Dave, that fellow will be captured before a week. 

Mosby don't care a for his telegraph line. As soon as 

we get back to camp take charge, and have all the roads and 
trails coming from Stoughton's direction [Hays' rear], pick- 
eted thoroughly ; place some mounted videttes beyond the 
infantry posts toward Stoughton. I will relieve you of any 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 331 



care of the lines along Bull Run. I'll go with you tonight 
and see how you have the new line posted.' 

"The general did as he said, and on his inspection, though 
it was night, being a good woodsman, and with a fairly good 
knowledge of the roads, made some changes in the posting. 
He said he was much more concerned about his rear than 
his front. 

"Before a week had elapsed, early one morning a squad 
of mounted men brought a message to General Hays, which 
read: 

'Mosby made a raid on Fairfax Court House last 
night, capturing a few stores and some prisoners. Gen- 
eral Stoughton among the rest.' 

"The men reported that all was then quiet at the Court 
House and on towards Washington, from whence they had 
come. From Fairfax Mosby had gone south on the Little 
River turnpike, taking these men along, and any others for 
whom he could quickly find mounts. General Hays [Shields 
along also], hurried to his extreme right picket post, where 
he learned that between midnight and daylight a considerable 
force of mounted men had passed from a rear direction towards 
the front. The pickets could not see them. They heard only 
the noise of the cavalcade, and it was beyond the hail of a 
challenge. The passing troop made no demonstration of any 
sort, keeping well beyond the Hays right picket — at least a 
half mile beyond. The pickets in the morning found the 
trail in the grass and followed it long enough to satisfy them- 
selves it had been made several hours previously, and was 
headed away from Hays' lines. The general, therefore, 
returned to the usual routine and duties. 

"When the senators learned of the capture of General 
Stoughton, commander of the most important post in the 
defenses of Washington, a point only 25 miles away, his pend- 
ing confirmation no longer 'pended.' It was allowed to expire 
by constitutional limitation, for Stoughton had influence and 
many friends, and as will have been seen, was a recent grad- 
uate of West Point. 

"The Confederate authorities, when they found they had 
a general with no commission and no military status, turned 
him loose, his Confederate classmates of West Point having 
no high standing, except Joseph Wheeler, who developed later 
in the war, and it was a joke around Hays' headquarters that 
Stoughton was released on his merits as a non-combatant, 
or at least one who fought only by telegraph, and henceforth 
the Vermonter had ample time to ponder on the value of 
Morse's invention as a fighting machine." 

That General Hays was extraordinarily vigilant, these 
dispatches tend to show : 



332 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Union Mills, Va., March i, 1863. 
Capt. C. H. Potter, 

Assistant Adjutant General : 

The matter as regards Fitzhugh Lee's presence 
at Culpepper Court House with some considerable 
force of cavalry and artillery, has been known to me 
for a few days past and I had the honor to report it 
to division headquarters. I have been acting with 
increased vigilance for a week past, knowing of the 
presence of the enemy in my front. This morning a 
refugee came into my lines with a pass of General 
Lee's own staff officers, dated Culpepper Court 
House, February 28, and another one, who had 
worked upon the "Merrimac No. 2," and who gave all 
information about the same. Both were forwarded to 
Alexandria. I have found information in the public 
papers which came to me directly from prisoners, 
which I have forwarded to the provost marshal of 
Alexandria, expecting that through him such matter 
would be forwarded to department headquarters. 
Hereafter all information at all interesting will be for- 
warded directly to you. ^ 

Alex Hays, 
Brigadier General. 

Union Mills, Va., March 6, 1863, 7 P. M. 

Capt. C. H. Potter, 

Assistant Adjutant General: 

Information is received that 150 of the enemy's 
cavalry are near Manassas. Colonel Stagg, ist Michi- 
gan Cavalry, has just received information of other 
bodies assembling for the purpose of effecting a cross- 
ing at Woodyard or Wolf Run Shoals. Two of the 
Michigan Cavalry were yesterday captured within 
reach of my artillery. I have telegraphed Colonel Asa 
P. Blunt. Colonel C. D. McDougal and General 
Stoughton. We will be ready to receive them if they 
come.^ 

Alex Hays, 
Brigadier General. 

Colonel Wyndham's provost marshal made a report to 
him which will be found in appendix marked J. 

1 "Official Records — War of the Rebellion" — Series I, Vol. 55. 
a "Official Records," etc., Series I, Vol. 55. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 333 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Headquarters Third Brigade, Casey's Division, 
Defenses of Washington, Union Mills, Va., 

March nth, 1863. 
"Dear Sir: 

"I received yours March 2nd, and also one from Annie. 
Very acceptable, I assure you. I intended to visit Washing- 
ton, this day, but the wishes of superior authority have been 
received, and I remain at home. 

"I consider the expressed wishes as rather complimentary, 
as I am the only living specimen of a brigadier general extant, 
in this section of country. 

"You have heard that General Stoughton [the handsomest 
man in the army] was captured in his bed, and all his house- 
hold; guch as appertains to a brigadier general, viz.: guards, 
band, horses and servants, besides the usual assortment of 
tins, kettles, pans, piano, family carriage, and other cooking 
utensils. All this occurred eight or 10 miles in the rear of my 
command, while the Third Brigade was not called upon to 
fire a shot. The maurauders passed entirely around me. I 
regard this as an instance on their part of 'conduct unbecom- 
ing ofificers and gentlemen,' As I was then prepared, as I 
have always been, to meet them with a warm reception. 

"It was, moreover, a slight to my horses and servants, 
as they are in every respect superior to those of General 
Stoughton's. It is now a joke in the regiments, that the 
'Rebs,' having become tired of plain corn whisky, desired 
Stoughton as 'bitters.' ^ 

"I do not boast, although they will not 'catch a weasel 
asleep.' We are the extreme outpost, and an overwhelming 
lire may be thrown against us. Of which, however, I have 
no present apprehensions, but if they come, you will have a 
good account at home. 

"I am daily becoming more confident of the men in my 
command. The ist Pennsylvania Reserves act like soldiers, 
and I have only to complain of the conduct of some of their 
officers. It appears that R. B. R., colonel and aide to Governor 
Curtin, has been entrusted with the matters of conferences 
among them, and that, as might be expected, 'kissing goes 
by favor,' to the great disgust of the worthiest men in the 
regiment, and in consequence, dissensions arise among the 
officers. Oh, when will our privateer 'retribution' open her 
batteries ?' 

1 "Stoughton's Bitters," a brand well known in war days, long 
since out of the market, at least not heard of now. 

2 The general would have got along all right with the Reserves 
and did afterwards, and their subsequent service was most glorious, 
as will appear. 



334 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"It is a grand mistake of my friends to suppose that my 
office is a 'sinecure.' Yesterday we received 79 refugees, 
deserters and Jews, to transmit to Alexandria. In conse- 
quence, I am constantly employed, and when I write unoffi- 
cially I borrow so much time from my duty. 

"Once more, again, give a good lick at traitors at home, 
and say to good, loyal men, that the day is dawning, in spite 
of all opposition, for God is with us. Never was there more 
enthusiasm among our soldiers, and the day is coming, 
shortly, when those who endeavor to clog the wheels of gov- 
ernment will repent in sackcloth and ashes. As they have 
been 'their country's curse,' their acts will be 'their children's 
shame.' 

"I have not seen my confirmation, but I am full of faith. 

"Yours in a hurry, 

"Alex Hays." 



LIEUT. CORTS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Washington, March 13, 1863. 
"Mrs. Annie A. Hays, 
"Dear Madame : 

"The general has a world of business to attend this a. m. 
I assume the duties of private secretary, and herewith trans- 
mit Major J. W. Newell's draft No. 350 on the assistant treas- 
urer of the United States in New York, for one hundred and 
seventy-five [$175.00] dollars. 

"We came to the city last evening and had but safely 
arrived when word came — [as usual] — Rebel raid premedi- 
tated [old song]. Having had some experience, the general 
made inquiry and found all quiet along 'Bull Run.' 

"The general will return in the morning to the front. For 
myself, I cannot say just what I will do, possibly ofTer myself 
as minister to the Court of St. James — why not? when Frank 
Herron is a major general. It we don't fail in this war, it 
won't be the fault of the 'powers that be.' ^ 

"With kind remembrances to all friends, and love to the 
young Hayses, I remain, 

"Very truly your friend, 

"George P. Corts." 

1 Frank J. Herron, an old Pittsburgher, who went to the war 
from Dubuque, Iowa, early in 1861, as captain in the 1st Iowa Vol- 
unteer Infantry, and, on the second call, as lieutenant-colonel of 
the 9th Iowa Regiment Volunteers. Corts, who knew him, seems 
a bit envious here, but lived to see Major General Herron continue 
to make good to the end. General Herron died in New York in 
1902. He belonged to the well known Pittsburgh family for whom 
Herron Hill In the city is named. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 335 



GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Kirkwood House, Washington, March 14th, 1863. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I received yours and your father's of the 8th and 9th, from 
Major Newell. Almost all letters for me had been sent to the 
Army of the Potomac. 

"I asked Corts, who was with me, to write to you, enclos- 
ing draft for $175. Remember, this last was a short month, 
and did not produce like the long ones. 

"I came to the city in haste, and must return in like time. 
My principal wish has been accomplished, to see my nomina- 
tion confirmed, which was done last night, as you will see by 
the papers. My confirmation had been postponed, to date my 
appointment back to 'Fair Oaks.' The ist Regiment, Penn- 
sylvania Reserves, smarting under my discipline, and by wish 
of Biddle Roberts and Curtin, etc., sought to defeat me, and 
raised heaven and earth to accomplish it, but I have triumphed. 
More so, as my promotion in the regulars, I understand, is 
real. 

"I have been too much occupied to think of anything but 
my business, but when I go home, will write you at length. 

"My health is now excellent. Love to all, and expect let- 
ters regularly. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

The appointment of Alexander Hays, it will be remem- 
bered, was of date September 29, 1862. He had been appointed 
captain in the Sixteenth Infantry [regulars], May 14, 1861, 
while serving as major in the 12th Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
and brevet major U. S. A., June 30, 1862, for gallant and meri- 
torious services at the battles of Fair Oaks, Peach Orchard 
and Glendale ; brevet lieutenant-colonel, U. S. A., July i, 1862, 
for the same service at Malvern Hill. He speaks here as 
though his promotion was real and not honorary, as brevets 
go. After Gettysburg, General Hays was brevetted colonel, 
U. S. A. 

GENERAL BIRNEY TO GENERAL HAYS 

"Headquarters First Division, Third Corps, 

"Camp Near Falmouth, Va., March i6th, 1863. 
"My Dear General : 

"Permit me to congratulate you on your confirmation. 
I do not know the character of the command that you have, 
but we really think that you should come back to the 'Old 
Division.' 



336 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"The brigade ^ in which your regiment is has no general 
officer, and as it is composed entirely of Pennsylvania regi- 
ments, would be a very desirable command. 

"Why not apply to be ordered to duty with this division? 

"I am truly your friend, 

"D. B. Birney." 
"Brigadier General Hays" 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Headquarters Third Brigade, Casey's Division, 

"Department of Washington, 

,,T^ . . "Union Mills, Va., March i8th, 1863. 

Dear Annie : > o 

"Neither mind nor leisure have permitted me to write 
that love letter, but it will come in time. 

"I wrote you at W^ashington, and once since. I am either 
a very important character, or otherwise badly imposed upon. 
I was not allowed to remain in Washington, for fear the 'Rebs' 
would find I was absent and break our lines. As I wrote, I 
am the only specimen of a B. G. extant along the outposts.^ 

"You have been informed in my previous letters of the 
attempts made by the ofificers of the ist Pennsylvania Re- 
serves, headed and advised by R. Biddle Roberts, to prevent 
my confirmation, but their efforts failed. H God spares my 
life, he will yet answer to me, not only for this, but his past 
offenses. 

"I will anticipate the newspapers, and give you the news 
of the brigade. Colonel d'Utassy is now at Washington, 
in arrest, under the most infamous charges ever preferred 
against a man. Schreiber is deeply implicated and disgraced, 
for complicity with d'Utassy, and for practicing deceits upon 
his beloved 'mein Shen-e-ral.' May the Lord forgive me, and 
I will never trust their kind again. The brigade is now under 
orders of regeneration. Yesterday I secured five horses be- 
longing to the United States that d'Utas.sy had presented to 
his friends. It has given me much trouble, but j-ou know 
when I sweep, I sweep clean. 

"Every man connected in any manner with the former 
provincial brigade has been ordered back to duty in his regi- 
ment. But enough of troubles. 

"We have organized among the men at hand, a theater, 
scenery unshiftcd, but loyal, being American flags. The big 

1 This brigade was the first of tlie First Division, Third Corps, 
and was composed of the 57th. 63rd. 68th. 105th, 114th and 141st 
Pennsylvania regiments, and Brigadier General Charles K. Graham 
of New York was assigned to its command, and was still in command 
at Gettysburg, wiiere he was most severely wounded. General Hays' 
brigade in the Battle of the Wilderness included the 57th, 63rd and 
105th regiments. 

2 B. G. — Brigadier general. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 337 

barn is the theater, and more laugh provoking acts I have 
never seen. When Taylor brings in his trained elephant, 
Tibboo,' the weatherboarding starts off the barn. 'Tibboo' 
is composed of two American soldiers, with my horse cover 
thrown over them. One working the trunk, the other the tail 
of the animal, and you must not think we are not favored 
with the presence of the gentler sex. Mrs. Sherrill, a most 
dear old lady, Mrs. Loving and her sister of 126th New York 
Volunteers, Mrs. Colonel Stagg, and Mrs. Maggie Bowers 
of the cavalry, ist private, add beauty and grace to the adorn- 
ment of our barn. When Taylor comes out in his favorite 
character of 'Old Bob Ridley,' and asks the ladies if they 
are gazing upon him, the old barn trembles. Speaking of the 
barn, Biscaccianti is also in trouble. But I think not serious. 
"I had a fright this morning. Criss came running to me 
out of breath and announced that 'Dan' was bleeding to death. 
I went to the barn and found that the horse doctor of Hasting's 
Battery had old 'Dan' and cut the wrong jugular. Poor 'Dan' 
bled terribly and was pronounced beyond human aid. I was 
terribly mad, but got the blood stopped, and he is now doing 
well. 

'Dave' Shields is now in Washington. 'Sailor Boy' is 
acting assistant adjutant general. 

"Corts is here— still on a visit, and I will be loath to 
part with him. 

"Every night is one of alarm. Not that we feel the least 
apprehension, but reports come in hourly, to keep us awake. 
The alarms come, generally, from Washington. 

"It is now my usual practice to be awakened at two and 
a half o'clock a. m., when I stay up till daybreak. 
"They won't catch this weasel asleep. 

"Love to all at home. Express what you know I feel 
for all. The bell of the locomotive announces the train, and 
I have no more time. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

THE GARIBALDI GUARDS AND COL. d'UTASSY 

The 39th New York Volunteers was the first three 
years' regiment from the state. They called themselves the 
Garibaldi Guard, in the army the term became "Guards." 
The regiment was recruited in New York City and mustered 
into the service of the United States May 28th, 1861. The 
first colonel was Frederick G. d'Utassy, a Hungarian count of 
the kind the American people have since become familiar. 
The composition of the regiment was most heterogeneous, 
to-wit : three companies of Germans, in the main good soldiers, 
as were their officers; three companies of Hungarians, one 



338 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

company of Swiss, one Italian, one French, one Spanish, and 
one Portuguese. Alexander Repetti was the first lieutenant 
colonel, and Charles Weigand the first major. The regiment 
left for the front the day of its muster. It was present at 
first Bull Run, though but slightly engaged. 

A few weeks after one of the companies [G] mutinied? 
and was thoroughly disciplined by arrest and imprisonment. 
In the spring of 1862 the regiment served in Blenker's Division 
of Sumner's Corps, the brigade being in command of General 
Stahel. 

In April the regiment was with Fremont and participated 
in the campaign in the Shenandoah Valley, being engaged at 
Cross Keys, and later, in the army under Pope, at Middle- 
town. It will be apparent that the men were seasoned soldiers 
when they came under the command of General Alexander 
Hays. The affair at Harper's Ferry and their subsequent inac- 
tion and demoralization at Camp Douglass, while under parole, 
had done much to destroy the espirit de corps, for at best, the 
regiment was without homogeneity and composed of men 
of diverse races, speaking many languages, under superior 
and subordinate officers, soldiers of fortune, mere adventurers, 
the Garibaldi Guards were anything but good soldiers when 
they came to General Alexander Hays. They were good soldiers 
afterwards, and served until the end of the war in the Second 
Corps. 

General Hays had the worthless officers and many of the 
men and "non coms." mustered out for the good of the service, 
and formed the remainder into a batallion of four companies, 
under Major Hugo Hildebrandt, a typical German soldier 
[a Prussian] and a good officer, "one of the better ones," says 
Capt. Shields, and thoroughly in General Hays' esteem. The 
regiment had lacked all the essentials of good troops, individ- 
uality, self-reliance, and aggressiveness. But the ceaseless 
care and vigilance of General Alexander Hays had its ultimate 
and intended efifect in the making of good soldiers, and quaint 
and grim old General Heintzelman smiled many a time when 
he learned of Alexander Hays' doings, for he knew what the 
regiment needed. When Gettysburg came, the 39th was in line 
with Willard's Brigade, and there it proved its mettle; as good 
troops as the best, and they were good ever after. However, 
in January, 1864, the regiment was recruited up to its full 
quota by the addition of six new companies, mostly English- 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 339 

speaking. As for the other Harper's Ferry regiments, in Hays' 
Brigade of Casey's Division, they were Americans, and wanted 
but the chance, and they got it, more than once, and were ideal 
troops, as ideal as Alexander Hays or Hancock could have 
asked for. 

When the 39th Regiment came under General Hays' dis- 
cipline, there was much dissatisfaction among the men, who 
believed they had not been properly exchanged and were still 
paroled prisoners. Colonel d'Utassy fostered this belief in 
every way, where he could have disabused the men's minds, 
so to General Alexander Hays came the duty of "knocking out 
such ideas" and making them soldiers, and General Heintzel- 
man knew Alexander Hays could do it. 

Capt. David Shields' account of d'Utassy 's undoing is 
most interesting and somewhat amusing, and he relates the 
following facts : 

THE LUXURY OP WAR 

"Colonel d'Utassy had his headquarters in the largest 
house in Centreville. General Hays left him there with a 
part of the brigade, but made his headquarters in tents at 
Union Mills, where the Orange and Alexandria Railroad 
crosses Bull Run. 

"Squad, company and batallion drills were kept going 
morning and afternoon. Heavy details were made for picket 
duty daily, the general believing this onerous round of duty 
was the most effective way to bring these troops to a just 
realization of their status as actually exchanged prisoners of 
war again in service. General Hays was tireless in this dis- 
cipline, and on the go day and night, particularly in bad 
weather. 

"This sort of actual training quickly began to improve 
the command : the efficient ones replacing the inefficient ones 
in every way the general could arrange. Colonel d'Utassy 
was kind, in having the general, with one or more of his aids, 
dine with him in his big house, to elaborate meals, that were 
cooked in Washington, 30 miles away, and hauled out by a 
government ambulance with four horses attached, and re- 
layed at a half-way point. Despite the bad roads, the food 
was so well packed against the cold, that it was put on the 
table warm. The quality and quantity of the food and drink 
was all that could be desired, and General Hays' aids were 
glad to sit down to such unusual soldier rations. The general 
did not tell any of his staff his opinion of Colonel d'Utassy. 
Later events showed his opinion of the colonel's military 
qualifications better than words could express, and the culmi- 
nation came quickly. 



340 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"Just after dark, with a heavy, wet snow falling, he took 
his aid-de-camp, Lieut. Shields, to ride the picket line, which 
was eleven miles long, the right of which commenced where 
the cavalry left off, to the north of Centreville, running along 
the east bank of Cub Run to its juncture with Bull Run, down 
its east bank to the end, and the only way was to go horse- 
back, following the indistinct trails made by the infantry 
pickets. 

"On this night, as we got to d'Utassy's post, the first 
regimental camp had not a single guard, neither had the 
second regiment ; then the general and Shields got going 
fast to the colonel's headquarters, where all were comfortable 
indoors, with no guards out, and the enemy, in shape of 
Mosby, close at hand. 

"The general pulled up in front of the colonel's big house, 
jumped off his horse, went up the broad steps to the great 
door, which quickly gave way to the weight of his body 
pushed against it. As the door broke open. Colonel d'Utassy 
was seen at the head of the stairs, dressed in red flannel under- 
clothes. The general ordered him to come down at once, 
just as he was, and get out his horse and go along. When 
a short distance had been covered the colonel dropped back 
alongside of Shields, and asked him what the matter was. 
He was told of the grossly unsoldierly condition of his post. 
He then asked what the general was going to do. 'Ride the 
the picket line,' came the answer. 

" T cannot go as I am ; I will perish. I will go back to 
my quarters, put my clothes on, and I will join you on the 
line, where the Braddock road crosses Cub Run.' 

"Shields replied : 'Do not think of such a thing. Keep 
close after the general.' And he did. 

"Most of the distance was through scrub pine, with low 
hanging limbs, bending, often to the ground, with their load 
of wet snow. There was about 300 pickets stationed on this 
line at irregular distances, but so posted as to have accurate 
control of all the line, that no one could get through unknown 
to the picket. It was hard, trying, difficult, and dangerous 
duty. The snow had obliterated any sign of a path. The 
picket was stationary, keeping hidden and quiet, usually 
behind a tree, or bush, but just where was the serious puzzle, 
even to a friend; as he might mistake any coming upon him 
for enemies, and shoot. This experience had happened to 
General Hays and Shields on two occasions of their numerous 
rides along the picket line at night. 

"The colonel had never ridden at night, and seldom in 
day time along a picket line ; this unpleasant and dangerous 
duty if he could ever think it necessary, would be put upon 
a subordinate, who also would shirk it, with the certain result, 
negligent or cowardly pickets. 

"When the picket line was reached [the extreme right], 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 341 



Shields was sent ahead and remained in advance through the 
entire night, and ride ; his positive knowledge of a picket's 
position was the earnest, firm challenge : 'Halt, who goes 
there?' Shields would quickly answer: 'Friends with the 
countersign.' Picket would reply: 'Dismount one; advance 
and give the countersign.' Being satisfied, the picket would 
say: 'Countersign is correct.' 

"Then the general and colonel would join Shields ; so it 
went, there not being a picket post missed. 

"There was no talking, all was serious and real, even the 
cussing at the horses or the slap in the face by a limb of a 
tree. The ride was such a novelty to the colonel that he had 
nothing to say. When the trio got to the general's headquar- 
ters, after break of day, d'Utassy was so used up he was not 
able to say anything. Speech had failed him. The general 
dismounted and went into his tent, not saying a word to the 
colonel or Shields, who went to the general and asked what 
he had to say to the colonel, who was nearly perished, and 
almost speechless with fatigue and cold, which his red flannel 
underwear had but slightly kept out. 

"The general said : 'Tell him to go to his headquarters 
under arrest ;' and off the colonel rode, his last ride as a soldier, 
and, as was fitting and altogether right, in disgrace, and almost 
dead from exposure. Whether or not shame mantled his 
cheek could not be seen in the darkness, and when daylight 
came. Colonel Count d'Utassy was too cold to blush. 

" 'Get something to eat, and a fresh horse, as we are going 
at once to Washington,' [30 miles away] said the general and 
they went, but were only a short while in Washington. 

"While going back to camp the general stated a court- 
martial had been called at once, at his request, to take action 
on Colonel d'Utassy's case. The court met the next day. Evi- 
dence was presented, chiefly by General Hays, showing utter 
incompetency as a soldier by Colonel d'Utassy; infamous 
rascality for one claiming to be an honest man, who by false- 
hood and perjury had been getting about three times the pay 
he was entitled to ; that such conduct had a demoralizing 
effect on his command. The court, at the one and only sit- 
ting, found Colonel d'Utassy guilty on all charges and specifi- 
cations, immediately sentencing him to be cashiered and sent 
to Sing Sing Prison, N. Y., and imprisoned there for one year. 
This sentence was carried out forthwith." 

Referring to the roster of the field and staff of the regi- 
ment, it appears that 15 officers had been dismissed shortly 
before or about the time General Hays took command, and 
as many more had resigned. The date of the formal order 
of d'Utassy's dismissal is May 29, 1863, and Repetti had 
resigned nearly a year before. Major Hildebrandt was left 



342 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

the ranking officer, serving until December lo, 1863, when he 
was honorably discharged. 

A PITTSBURGH NEWSPAPER CLIPPING 

"Brigade General G. F. d'Utassy of the National Guard, 
state of New York, who commanded the 39th Regiment, New 
York Volunteers, during the war, is in the city, the guest 
of Alderman Louis Hagar. The gentleman was the first vol- 
unteer general who was breveted to major general during 
the war." 

d'Utassy was not even a brigadier by brevet in the U. S. 
service, and the statement of rank herein is entirely erroneous 
and probably inspired by himself. It will be noticed that 
d'Utassy, in addition to his other accomplishments, was some- 
what of a liar. 

AN EPISODE ENTIRELY OUT OP THE ORDINARY 

Two ladies from Richmond visited General Hays' head- 
quarters during the month of March. They did not do so 
because of any desire to make the gallant general's acquaint- 
ance. In fact they paid him two visits — ''agoing and acoming" 
one, so to speak, and before they left, took the following 
obligation, and "thereby hangs a tale." The story begins 
with the affidavit below. 

"Casey's Division, 22d Army Corps, 

Union Mills,Va., March 21st, 1863. 
"We and each of us do solemnly swear without any mental 
reservation or purpose of evasion, that we will not divulge to 
any person beyond the lines of the army of the United States, 
anything which may have come to our knowledge during our 
residence within said lines. 

"Nor communicate anything which may be prejudicial to 
the United States or give any comfort, information or intelli- 
gence to the enemies thereof. 

"And we do further swear, that we do not carry with 
us, or on our persons, any document or letter, written or 
printed, which conveys any information, to parties beyond 
the lines of the U. S. army, 

"[By the Officer]. So help you God. 

[Signed] : "Constance Gary, 

"Eugenia C. Hyde." 

Adjt. Corts hastens to tell the Hayses in Pittsburgh all 
about it. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 343 

ADJUTANT CORTS TO MRS. HAYS AND FAMILY 

"Headquarters Third Brigade, Casey's Division, 

Union Mills, Va., March 21, 1863. 
"Kind Friends : 

"I have been here for two weeks, enjoying myself pro- 
digiously, visiting the country hereabouts, of which I have 
good reason to boast a pretty accurate knowledge of its geog- 
raphy. 

"A visit to Centreville brought to mind a vivid remem- 
brance of Groveton, Chantilly, &c., and some lively skiddad- 
ling towards Washington, which I hope will never again 
occur. 

"The season just closed [as they say of watering places], 
has been very gay, closing this morning very brilliantly. Since 
I came here large numbers of persons have been daily brought 
through the lines, fleeing from Richmond. These are mostly 
foreigners, and represent Dixie land as being in any other 
than a flourishing condition, but with these occasionally are 
some genuine F. F. Vs. condescending to pass the Yankee 
lines, and with all their boasted pride. Of this latter char- 
acter, two ladies arrived from Washington yesterday and 
remained until this morning, both very accomplished, but the 
most bitter Rebels imaginable. 

"You can be assured we lead a lively time. The young 
Miss Gary is quite pretty and very smart, truly devoted to 
the 'stars and bars,' so that with our love for the old flag, a 
very spicy style of conversation existed, but had we not had 
the general for our leader, I fear very much the fair Rebel 
would have had the argument entirely on her side, but then, 
she was so pretty, a blond, auburn hair [nearly red], my fancy, 
if she was not so rebellious, I think I could like her. 

"The ladies arrived from Richmond within our lines just 
a week ago, passed to Washington, representing their wish 
to go North, but as the sequel has shown, merely on a shop- 
ping expedition. And really Miss Gary's sorrow for the nice 
dresses she had purchased and was deprived the privilege 
of bringing with her must have been trying to the gallantry 
of the ofidcers in Washington. She was allowed a duck of 
a bonnet and a love of a hat, nothing more. She boasted of 
the dash she would make with these alone, and said : 'Only 
think, with the elegant dresses she had left, what a fluttering 
she would have caused as she swept the aisles of St. Paul's 
[in Richmond], and had the glory of introducing the fashions 
in Richmond. Their visit was rather summarily ended, as 
the slip from Washington paper indicates. 

"This morning Lieut. Shields, myself and a squad of 
cavalry escorted the ladies across the line, leaving them at 
a house near Manassas, to find their way to Richmond as 
they best can. They were very profuse in their compliments 



344 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



to these headquarters for kindness and hospitality, promising 
should any of us be so fortunate as to get to Richmond, how 
gladly they would reciprocate the many obligations. I told 
them, no, thank you ; been there. 

"Two ladies, one a Philadelphian, Mrs. Weaver, the other 
a native of Rochester, N. Y., Mrs. Barton, came from Warren- 
ton yesterday on their way home, apparently very glad to 
escape from the 'Old Dominion.' These two exploits closed 
the business. 

"Heintzelman's orders: hereafter no person to pass in 
or out of the lines, 'except contrabands.' 

"The general [Hays] is in the best of health. Don't think 
the Rebs will get him between the hours of 2 and 6 o'clock 
a. m., judging from the way he hustles around the room at 
that time. 

"He has a letter of congratulation from General Birney, 
who is anxious he should come and take his old brigade. I 
wish he would. 

"How soft and silly people are getting. If I can judge 
by the account of Sheppard, Negley and Gross,^ what a pity 
for the poor 'things' they were in a fight. Swimming today. 
Kennedy not yet arrived. 

"With the general's love and my kind regards to you and 
remembrance to your father and family, I am, 

"Most truly your friend, 

"George P. Corts." 

One of these "Rebel ladies" still lives and the reader is 
aware that Capt. Shields is also a living reality. Capt. Corts, 
who was wounded at Fair Oaks and in the Wilderness, died 
a few years after the war, his end hastened by his wounds. 
It is only fair to allow the "Rebel lady" of these strange 
eventful days to tell her story, and she does so most interest- 
ingly in a recent magazine article.^ The world of literature 
has long known this gifted authoress as Mrs. Burton Harrison, 
and her husband in the stirring years, 1861-1865, was the con- 
fidential secretary of Jefferson Davis. 

No doubt to Corts' mind. Miss Gary was rather a peppery 
proposition from a "secesh" point of view, and he was clearly 
of the opinion that the general had caught a pair of tartars. 
Exceedingly vivacious and engaging as well as pretty, despite 

1 In "Sheppard, Negley," the reference is obscure now from the 
lapse of time, there being no one to recall It, the people being long 
since deceased. Undoubtedly Pittsburgh people are meant. 

2 Scribner's, April, 1911. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 345 

the fact that they were ultra "secesh" [that was the word 
in those days] and glorified in it, there has drifted to Pitts- 
burgh sufficient grounds for belief that more than one of 
the staff fell in love with the fair young Virginian, and why 
not? To be sure Miss Gary was entirely innocent, as her 
story shows, and it is rather a tribute to the good sense of 
the staff that they could appreciate beauty and vivacity, even 
in an "enemy." Moreover, the staff were not deviating at all 
from a well known scriptural injunction. Had the "captives" 
been of the opposite sex, the case would have had a different 
aspect. General Hays, gallant soul, it is admitted, treated his 
visitors with his usual hospitality, and did his best to make 
them feel at home — but let Mrs. Harrison speak, first reading 
the letter, which permits the reproduction of her magazine 
article — such portions rather as may be pertinent, and noting 
that the general did not expect his visitors to call again. 

"Washington, D. G., March 28, 1911. 
"Mr. Gilbert A. Hays, Sewickley, Pa., 
"Dear Mr. Hays : 

"One of the most interesting results of my Scribner's 
articles [which are taken in condensed form from the book 
they are to publish in the autumn] ^ has been the letters they 
have brought me, confirming and endorsing my girlhood 
memories of long ago. Needless to say I have found yours 
of the deepest interest. I should be very glad to have you 
insert in your book my account of our stop at Union Mills, 
going and returning to Washington. I have told there the 
exact facts as to our journey, and its object. The 'trousseau' 
business existed solely in the imagination of the reporters, 
and was added to lend zest to a newspaper paragraph. I think 
my own article pretty thoroughly establishes where my fancy 
was fixed at even that early time. 

"I know that I was very young, full of secession fire that 
took shape in defiant speeches, and all that, but the respect 
and courtesy we met with at your father's headquarters was 
always deeply appreciated, and kindly remembered, long after 
I had a son of my own to send in U. S. uniform to the Spanish 
War. 

"I had forgotten the oath given by General Hays. That 
is very interesting. We could safely subscribe to it. 

"My aunt, Mrs. Hyde, was a stately and beautiful woman 
of middle age, who died long ago in the odor of sanctity, after 
a life of unselfish devotion to others. 

1 Mrs. Harrison's book has since been published under the title, 
"Recollections, Grave and Gay." 



346 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"What you tell me of Capt. Shields and Corts is very full 
of interest. I often thought I should like to see both of them 
again, and I must ask you to say as much to Capt. Shields, 
with my compliments. With kindest regards, believe me 

"Yours sincerely, 
"C. C. Harrison." 
[Mrs. Burton Harrison]. 

"RECOLLECTIONS, GRAVE AND GAY" 

Mrs. Harrison, after narrating life in Richmond during 
the Peninsula campaign, speaks of the death of her uncle, 
Lieut. Reginald Fairfax, of the "old navy," and we will take 
up her narrative at this point : 

"My uncle, who had commanded a battery on the James, 
was prostrated by malarial fever and taken to Richmond, 
where he died at the Clifton House, tenderly nursed by his 
sisters. He was to my brother and me a second father. His 
property, fortunately so invested in Northern securities as 
to be unavailable during the war, was left between his three 
sisters, thereby enabling us, after peace was declared, to 
resume a life of comfort, when many of our Confederate 
friends were in absolute want. My other uncle. Doctor Fair- 
fax of Alexandria, had, in the abundance of his belief in the 
Confederacy, put all of his fortune into Confederate bonds 
and suffered a total loss of it. 

"In the latter part of February, 1863, it became necessary 
for either my mother or aunt to carry to Washington certain 
papers connected with the inheritance coming to them from 
the estate of their late brother, in order to secure much-needed 
provision for the clouded and uncertain future of their fam- 
ilies. After some debate it was decided that Mrs. Hyde 
should be the one to go ; and I, with the love of daring advent- 
ure coursing through my veins, induced them to let me 
accompany my aunt. 

"Bidding farewell to those friends in Richmond who 
looked upon us as predestined to a Northern prison, we went 
first to stop near Culpepper, not far from the winter quarters 
of General Fitzhugh Lee's division of cavalry. Here we 
remained while casting about us for ways and means to cross 
the border and get into Alexandria. Not only were the 
chances of war in favor of our capture on the way — that did 
not appall us, since we were intent strictly on private busi- 
ness — but from every side came gloomy tales of swollen 
rivers, deserted villages, a war-ravished country liable to 
forays from prowling vagabonds of either army, and the likeli- 
hood of running upon a skirmish at any moment. Worst of 
all, it seemed impossible to hire a conveyance. 

"Waiting, however, in a pleasant country house near the 
headquarters of a crack cavalry division, with a dozen gallant 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 347 

knights, ready to do one's lightest bidding, had its endurable 
side. There were visits to and from camp, rides, shooting 
matches — 'General Fitz' presenting me with a tiny Smith and 
Wesson revolver captured by himself, which he taught me 
to wear and use." 

The ladies were obliged to remain some time at General 
Lee's headquarters, awaiting a favorable opportunity to pro- 
ceed North, and it came at last. There can not be followed 
here all the details of their journey, so aptly told by Mrs. 
Harrison in her book. Suffice it to find the ladies at War- 
renton in late February and parted from the escort that had 
been furnished by General Lee, and let Mrs. Harrison resume 
her story : 

"We hired a country cart of the old-time hooded variety, 
wherein, drawn by mules and enthroned on straw, we made 
creeping progress toward Centreville. On the road we passed 
a tired woman carrying her baby, a crying child tugging at 
her skirts, driven by starvation, she said, to go inside the 
Union lines. We naturally picked them up, and the hours 
that followed were hardly cheerful. Sleeping at a poor farm 
house that night, we awoke to find a party of Federal soldiers 
ringed around it, who proceeded to search the premises. When 
we got downstairs the officer in charge was waiting at the 
breakfast table. Although they were in pursuit of some one 
more important, it was necessary for him to know who we 
were, and what our business there. 'Property-owners in Fair- 
fax County, going to their home on matters of private 
business,' did not seem to suffice him as an explanation. We 
must come with him to report at United States headquarters 
in Centreville. 

"Lacking other means of advance, we then hired the only 
vehicle of the establishment, a pole on four wheels, drawn by 
two oxen ; and balanced upon this, our trunks bound on some- 
how by the depressed Confederate sympathizer who drove 
us, a bayonetted guard walking on either side, we superbly 
entered the village of Centreville. At headquarters, the 
officials in charge made a thoroughly conscientious effort to 
penetrate our disguise of innocence, and stamp us guilty, but 
the case baffled them. A full examination of our luggage 
failed to develop anything but the fact that Confederate prin- 
ciples were antagonistic in a marked degree to the theory of 
personal adornment. In the perplexity of the situation, they 
decided to send us on as prisoners of war, to Brigadier-General 
Hays stationed at Union Mills on the Orange and Alexandria 
Railroad, whence, they said, parties of 'refugees from the 
Rebel lines' were daily expedited to Alexandria. 

"The bitter cold drive of six miles to Union Mills in a 
little open trap, plunging up and down in deep ruts of frozen 



348 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



clay cut by army wagons in a heavy soil, or going at a snail's 
pace between six stolid Germans, holding their bayonets as 
they marched on either side of us, was actually the most pain- 
ful experience of our adventure. My aunt, with her stately 
figure and beautiful clear profile, in her mourning garb, sitting 
so calm and self-controlled amid her strange surroundings, 
reminded me of some grande dame of the French Revolution 
going in a tumbril to execution. For nothing in the world 
would she have condescended to make a complaint; we had 
deliberately placed ourselves in this situation, and must make 
the best of it. 

"Ahead of us were several wagons loaded with up-country 
refugees, Germans and Irish, going to Washington to take 
oath of allegiance and seek for better fortunes. One of these 
vehicles, piled high with household goods, upset, and there 
were wails from the women and children belonging to it, 
though nobody was badly hurt. While waiting for them to 
clear the road, we suffered intensely with the cold, arriving 
finally at Union Mills so thoroughly congealed, it was hard 
to set our feet upon terra firma. 

"Stumbling to the ground, we paid our driver and were 
shown into a room heated to suffocation by a red-hot stove, 
and crowded with the unhappy 'refugees,' men, women, and 
children, who had arrived ahead of us, all nearly perishing 
of cold and fatigue. We gave but one glance into the interior 
and turned away sickened by the noxious atmosphere, to meet 
a smart young staff officer ^ who, with the most astonished 
face I ever saw, could not for the life of him understand what 
we two were doing there. 

"Ten minutes later, seated before a bright fire in the 
officers' quarters above, we were kindly and courteously urged 
to partake of hot coffee, which we accepted, and champagne, 
which we refused. How long it had been since we had seen 
champagne ! 

"A room, hastily made ready, contained two army cots, 
gayly striped blankets, tin basins set upon a bench, delicious 
toilet soap and towels, a mirror, and two tall tin cans of boiling 
water. A tray of supper sent in 'with the general's compli- 
ments' filled our hearts with overflowing gratitude to our 
noble foes. 

" 'I am glad Fve scripture warrant for it, for I simply love 
my enemies,' one of us exclaimed, in heartfelt tones. 

"A cattle train, the box cars crowded with the poor emi- 
grants on benches, afforded the sole means for our getting 
on next day. Our kind host, the general, relieved his mind 
of us by letting us go to Alexandria on parole, under super- 
vision of the provost-marshal there. By orders from his 
headquarters, we were allowed to travel in the cab of the 
engine, and thus whizzing past many a well-known landmark 

1 Lieut. David Shields. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 349 



in our county, we regained the old town left two years before, 
under such different circumstances." 

After arrival in Washington, Mrs. Hyde and her niece 
attended to the business that had brought them to the city 
and then enjoyed themselves shopping, but all was not well, 
in Mrs. Harrison's own words : 

"Then fell a thunderbolt! Certain Union sympathizers 
among our whilom friends having taken pains to communi- 
cate to the secretary of war that he was harboring dangerous 
characters from the seat of rebellion, nearly allied with the 
leaders of the Confederate government, and full of menace to 
the Union cause, an order was sent to us, which I transcribe: 

Headquarters, Military Div. of Washington. 

Washington, D. C, March 19, 1863. 
Capt. H. B. Todd, Provost Marshal, 

Captain : By direction of the Secretary of War, 
Mrs. E. C. Hyde and Miss Constance Cary, refugees 
from Richmond, will be sent South over the lines, 
with orders not to return inside the lines of the U. S. 
forces. 

By command of Brigadier-General Martindale. 
[Signed] John P. Sherburne, 
Qrc • 1 . Asst. Adjt. General. 

A. W. Baker, Lt. and Adjt., Washington, D. C. 

"A trim young lieutenant with good manners and, as was 
developed, a feeling heart— Lieut. Clark Smith of the 169th 
New York Regiment — stood in the hall below as the instru- 
ment of Fate. There was a wild rush of packing, surrounded 
by zealous friends. Whatever it was possible to squeeze into 
the Dixie trunks, with little presents for all our circle, went 
into them ; much was worn, a good deal condensed into hand 
luggage. A smart braided riding habit, a gown or two, and 
other coveted fripperies, had to be left with their makers, 
ultimately reaching us by flag of truce. But one thing I could 
not entirely forsake — a new hat, an unimagined luxury since 
many months, that had been tried on and was waiting orders 
at the milliner's. We had no sooner seated ourselves in the 
carriage opposite the polite lieutenant, than a siege of the 
enemy ensued, shorter but no less successful than that of 
Richmond. In the end, our carriage, on its way to the boat- 
wharf, drew up before the door of Miss Wilson's fashionable 
millinery in Pennsylvania avenue, and our lieutenant, issuing 
from it, returned carrying a bandbox. I hope this transgres- 
sion has long been forgiven him. The new hat, so thought 
the Richmond girls, was well worth a dash upon the enemy. 

"Back at Union Mills again, and surrendered into the 



350 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

hands of our former host, we were greeted by jovial General 
Hays with pleasant tidings. 'I'm not going to let Fitz Lee 
boast he treated you better than we shall,' he exclaimed, when 
the question arose as to how he should dispose of the bad 
pennies returned upon his hands. So behold us seated in a 
smart ambulance, under escort of a dashing guard of 40 men 
in blue, the general himself, with two of his staff, accompany- 
ing us to the limit of the Union lines. In parting I asked if 
he had any message to send to his old West Point comrade, 
General Ewell, who had lately lost a leg in Confederate 
service.^ 

"'Give my best love to good old Dick, and tell him I 
wish it had been his head,' was the laughing answer, trans- 
mitted in due time.- 

It is manifestly unfair to quote here any more of Mrs. 
Harrison's most thrilling story as it has since been published 
in book form. A single incident is recalled by Capt. Shields 
which had passed from the fair narrator's recollection, to-wit : 

At the time Miss Gary and Mrs. Hyde were brought 
into General Hays' headquarters, just as Miss Gary jumped 
somewhat sprightly from the conveyance, a small pistol [men- 
tioned in her "Recollections,"] fell from her clothing, and 
upon Shields stooping to pick the weapon up, its fair owner, 
quick as a flash, put her foot on it, with the remark, "That's 
my private property, sir." 

One can expect spunk in a Virginian and no doubt in 
those days there was plenty in evidence. Mrs. Harrison has 
long since been forgiven, "Even as we forgive those who tres- 
pass against us." It is to be hoped she will excuse the use 
of the word, spunk. It is decidedly colloquial, and of a marked 
Yankee character. 

Let it suffice to close this incident to say that Mrs. Hyde 
and her charming niece, after various adventures, got safely 
back to General Fitz Lee's headquarters, and were received 
by the gallant officer with open arms — that is metaphorically 
speaking, and from thence the way to Richmond was clear. 

1 General Ewell graduated July 1, 1840, the day General Alex- 
ander Hays entered. 

2 "Recollections, Grave and Gay," Mrs. Burton Harrison, PP. Ill 
et seq. 




Soldiers' AJoiunnent. Fianklin. Pa. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 351 



CAPT. KENNEDY TO MRS. HAYS 

"Headquarters Third Brigade, Casey's Division, 

"Centreville, April ist, 1863. 
"My Dear Mrs. Hays: 

"If I have not written to you before today, I beg you 
to believe it w^as not because I am unmindful of you, or that 
I had forgotten my promise, made some time since. I arrived 
safely in Washington, after many delays by the wayside, but 
so sick when I reached that city of magnificent distances, as 
to render it impossible for me to leave my room except for a 
part of a day. The morning following my arrival, I was called 
upon by Capt. Schreiber, and I assure you I was much sur- 
prised at the information communicated by him, inasmuch as 
I had heard nothing, either of the courtmartial of d'Utassy, or 
of Schreiber having been relieved as acting assistant adjutant 
general. Schreiber gave me a most pitiful account of his affair 
and asserted his entire innocence of committing any inten- 
tional wrong towards the general. From his statement to me, 
then, I imagined the general was anxious that he should again 
be reinstated, and I at once told him I would do anything 
in my power to assist him, that I would at least secure him 
a hearing by the President, or the Military Board, then sitting 
for the investigation of cases similar to his. He appeared 
exceedingly rejoiced at the prospect of getting a hearing, 
which was all he wanted, to secure his reinstatement. I 
accordingly told him to draw up a statement, and address it 
to the President, setting forth his grievances, and I would get 
my uncle ^ to submit it to him. The evening previous to my 
leaving for this point he brought me his statement, and said 
he would get the letters which he had on file in the War 
Department, and which proved the truth of the statement set 
forth in his communication. I saw uncle the same night, 
and he at once agreed to attend to the matter, as soon as he 
received the letters which were to accompany it. 

"On the morning following, I came to headquarters, and 
the following day received a letter from uncle, stating that 
he had seen the President's private secretary, and that Capt. 
Schreiber should have a hearing before Judge Holt,- and if 
the facts were as alleged, he should be reinstated. 

"After my arrival here, however, I found that the general 
was not at all pleased with the conduct of Schreiber, that 
in fact, he had lost all confidence in him, and fully believed 
that Schreiber had grossly betrayed his confidence. From 

1 Kennedy's uncle was Joseph C. G. Kennedy, superintendent 
of census, who was murdered in Washington by a fanatic. This 
Joseph Kennedy dined with Queen Victoria when he was the repre- 
sentative of the United States at the World's Fair in London in 1852. 

2 Hon. Joseph Holt of Kentucky, the Judge Advocate General of 
the army with the rank of colonel, a famous man of the war days. 



352 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



the facts detailed me by the general, I am satisfied that Schrei- 
ber is not the man we thought him, although at the same 
time, I think that d'Utassy is and has been the main instru- 
ment in involving him in his late difficulties. Still, there is 
no excuse for his betrayal of the general's confidence, by will- 
fully disobeying his order, and forging and altering his dis- 
patches. He also deceived the general as to his being 
mustered into service. The general still in some measure 
sympathizes with him in his difficulties, but says he will never 
again place confidence in a Dutchman. 

"Schreiber, I believe, is still in Washington, and boarding 
with d'Utassy and Mrs. Bacon. 

"We have discovered since our arrival here that d'Utassy 
has carried off all the flags belonging to the 39th Regiment, 
which had been presented to them in New York, and since 
they have been in the field. He also carried off from here 
everything he could lay his hands on. Among other things, 
a large number of papers belonging to the office at the post; 
these we have sent for again. Mrs. Bacon is moving every- 
thing to accomplish his release or restoration. And as to 
her, I can only say that my first impressions of her character 
have been fully confirmed by her subsequent conduct. When 
I first arrived here, I found the general and staff in tents. 
The next day the wind blew down the stove pipes, and nearly 
carried off the tents, and as the headquarters formerly occupied 
by Colonel d'Utassy were only occupied by some of his former 
very numerous staff, whose occupation had departed, I con- 
cluded that the general commanding had a small right to be 
comfortable, especially as he was not very well, so I succeeded 
in getting him to come down here, and we are now established 
quite nicely. The general and myself have the large corner 
room down stairs, which has a large fireplace, and at present, 
an elegant large wood fire. The 'young man' and 'Dave' ^ 
have a nice room directly over our heads, and the general, 
with a long stick, can pound them out of bed, by knocking 
on the ceiling. The clerks sleep in the office down stairs, 
which is infinitely more comfortable than the former one at 
Union Mills. 

"Since my arrival, I have been busy every day and night, 
sometimes not going to bed at all, in consequence of the alarm- 
ing rumors of an intended attack upon the post by Stuart 
and Jackson. I have to act as assistant adjutant general, and 
we have more business here than we had at the Mills, in 
consequence of the concentration of the brigade, and the 
fact that all communications for Colonel Fessenden's brigade* 
pass through our headquarters. 

1 Sailer and Shields. 

2 Francis Fessenden of Portland, colonel of the 25th Maine Vol- 
unteers, a most distinguished officer who attained the rank of major 
general of volunteers. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 353 



"The general was unwell for a day or two, but is now 
lively. He has introduced one very bad custom, however, 
and is making us all get up when the bugle is sounded, at 
five in the morning. This is terrible. 'Dave' and Sailer have 
taken turns, each sitting up half the night. 

"I succeeded in getting the box through safely, but all 
the things expressed were not in it. Before I left the hotel 
I asked the clerk if there were any packages for me? He 
handed me one for 'Dave,' and said that was all. I then 
thought the others were packed in the box; upon my arrival, 
I found they were not. I immediately wrote to Harry Schrei- 
ber, that if there were any more packages for me, to send 
them by express to my uncle at Washington and I would get 
them. 'Dave' was in a terrible way, expecting some token 
from his lady love, but he has partially recovered, and waits 
with equanimity. 

"I have written this scrawl amid many interruptions, and 
should it be, as I fear, disconnected, you must excuse it. 

"I will write you again soon, I hope, under more favor- 
able auspices. 

"The general sends much love. Please remember me to 
all the family. 'Dave' and Sailer also wish to be remembered. 
'Sailor Boy' went almost crazy over his cake cannon; has 
sent it home to Philadelphia. Hastings et al. are all well. 

"Yours truly, 

"T. R. Kennedy." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Headquarters Third Brigade, Casey's Division, 

"Union Mills, Va., March 24, 186^. 
"Dear Wife : 

"Within the last ten days I have received but two letters 
frorn home. One from Aunt Rachel and one from Agnes. 
I will answer them both, when time allows. None from you, 
darling, but they tell me you are not well. I need not express 
to you a desire to be with you, for you know that every 
impulse of my nature would wish me home, and every throb 
of my heart only repeats the love I bear you. 

" 'Hark, the sweet bugle sings yielding joy to me laddie' 
for I have received orders to concentrate my brigade at Centre- 
ville, preparatory, I suppose, of another 'On to Richmond.' 

"It is, however, to prevent communication with Wash- 
ington. My lines have become notorious for stopping Rebels, 
and I am being transferred to another sphere. 

"Corts wrote to you yesterday, by request, and gave you 
the account of Miss Constance Cary. She is a niece of Gouv- 
ernor Morris of New York, a correspondent for papers. Says 
I am the only gentleman in the Northern army, and that I 
will hear of it, when she gets back to Richmond. 'Dave' 
Shields and Corts escorted her over the lines to 'Dixie.' 



354 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"I enclose the oath I made her take, before she left me, 
in taking she wiggled her fingers, significantly. 

"Henry says breakfast is ready, and 'The Count' stands 
saddled for my first ride to Centreville. As soon as I am 
settled, you will hear from me. 

"God bless you all, and my love to all at home. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Centreville, Va., April ist, 1863. 
"Dear Wife : 

"On this, 'The Fools Day,' I am in extacies over a 'wee 
bit letter' I received. If I had written such a diminutive thing 
I would have been scolded until I made amends in a full 
written, four-page letter, on foolscap. But it was, really, a 
treat, a little one, but then, it had been so long since I heard 
from you. Then, you were sick, and I was anxious. 

"Well, maam, with tomorrow's train goes down 'The 
Sailor Boy' to Washington, and then and there he will draw 
my pay for one month from the U. S., leaving a balance of 
one day's [April ist] placed on the books of that institution 
in my favor. As I have full faith and confidence in Uncle 
Sam's integrity and ability, I will permit that amount to 
accumulate until the first of May. The amount you will 
receive through the agency of John Sailer, on this present 
occasion, will correspond, my darling, with your modest 
request for two hundred [200] for really that is the amount 
specified by you. In consideration of your goodness while 
on your last visit to me, and my daily increasing love for 
you, in consequence [I don't care who knows these senti- 
ments], I will make the amount two hundred dollars [$200]. 
God bless you ; for your sake I desire to be a millionaire. 

"If you expect me to answer your letters paragraphically, 
you must not charge me with flirting, at my age, though Miss 
Constance might have played smash 17 years ago. 

"d'Utassy has gone and left us, and taken along his lady 
love, having stolen everything possible, and transportable in 
his possession, belonging to the government. Also he stole 
all the three flags of the 'Garibaldi Guards.' ^ I have sent 
an officer of that regiment after him, and would not be sur- 
prised if he found an asylum within the walls of some peni- 
tentiary instead of under the sunny skies of his dear Italy. 

"You have not heard one-half of his rascalities, and I 
have no time to detail them. It is reported he and Madame 

1 The Garibaldi Guard, tlie 39th New York Volunteers, of which 
d'Utassy had been colonel. The general says Italy. He means Hun- 
gary, as d'Utassy was a Hun. The count found the asylum later. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 355 

B.^ have been united in the bonds of wedlock! Schreiber is 
in Washington. He is a victim of d'Utassy's. 

"The dressing case and prayer book have never been 
received; where are they? Kennedy and the boxes arrived 
safely. 

"Corts is in Washington pressing his claim for assistant 
adjutant general, on the strength of one of the best letters I 
ever wrote. His reinstatement has been approved by Gover- 
nor Curtin, and I believe he will succeed. I am pleased to hear 
of Lieut. Laufman's reinstatement. 

"Tell George Murphy^ that I have not yet possessed 
myself of any valuable trophies, as almost everything, except 
graves, has disappeared from this vicinity. The 'Rebs' burned 
down the bridge over Bull Run, three miles in advance of me, 
and I cannot, at present get over. 

"We have had several bad scares [via Washington], 
which keeps me on constant watch. The exposures incident 
to leaving our pleasant home at Union Mills going into tents, 
riding almost all night and day, almost broke me down. I 
caught a very severe cold, followed by a bilious attack. I 
could get sleep and rest, only by snatches. Three nights 
ago, we had the latest scare 5 — 10 — 15 thousand of the enemy 
[so they said at Washington] were advancing on our lines, 
and I was ordered to 'hold Centreville at all hazards.' They 
appeared not to be aware that such was my intention, without 
orders. Although they knew I had remodeled and strength- 
ened my guards and picket lines. I kept my command under 
arms all the night. The boys were as keen as cutworms for 
a fight, and have confidence that I can not only get them 
into, but take them out of one, if a chance is offered. Although 
I was entirely prostrated, I did not sleep a wink. In the morn- 
ing, we ascertained that no enemy was near us. Can you find 
fault more, with a man's not writing love letters, under such 
circumstances? 

"I am now quartered in the 'd'Utassy hotel,' very com- 
fortably. Surrounded by my regiments, with the batteries 
sweeping every foot of ground in front, but nobody will come 
to disturb me, perhaps, from the instructive principle of avoid- 
ing noxious beasts. 

"There now, love to all, too many to enumerate, and 
many thanks to the donors of 'the goodies' sent. I will con- 
tinue to love and write to all as soon as I command this 
division. 

"All the boys are hearty. 'Dave' Shields is as fat as a 
bear, and twice the size, when he left home. They are all 
asleep. God bless you, .y^^^ husband, 

"Alex." 

1 Madam B. was an officer's wife. 

2 Major George W. Murphy of Pittsburgh, the brother-in-law of 
Mrs. Hays. 



356 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

,,_ . . "Centreville, Va., April 5th, 1863. 

Dear Annie : . » i- .^ » o 

"I received yours of the first, and as I wrote the same 
day suppose you have received mine. I cannot imagine v^hy, 
therefore, you complain? 

"I have not failed to write, even when I wrote with diffi- 
culty. For ten days I have not been on horseback, suffering 
from a very severe cold and gastritis, I believe they call it. 
I am now hearty and well, eating a full ration, as usual. 

"It was my intention to have gone, today, to Upton's Hill, 
where I am summoned as witness on a courtmartial, but the 
day is furiously blustering, snow and high wind. I have, 
therefore, postponed my start until early tomorrow morning, 
and will ride 25 miles before you have breakfast at home. 

"I have purchased 'The Count' ^ and now have the best 
stable in the army. 

" 'Dave' Shields' horse is not sufficient for his riding, and 
I intend to let him use 'Leet,' as he suits him. 

"Last night we had an alarm from the picket line. It 
was snowing and storming furiously, and 'Dave,' with two 
mounted orderlies, were sent to ascertain the facts. The alarm 
was false, but 'Dave' was nearly frozen when he returned. 

"We are as comfortably quartered as possible. I have a 
wide, open fireplace, and do enjoy myself hugely, heaping on 
the logs. 

"I have never received the prayer book, or anything else, 
except the box. You cannot imagine the satisfaction your box 
aflforded, not only to ourselves, but to travelers, for, as we are 
situated, we must 'keep hotel.' 

"You must excuse me from further exertion at this time, 
as the mail must start for Union Mills. 

"Love to all and God bless you. I will write that love 
letter as soon as I gain courage. I will write to Alden. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

"N. B. — This is longer than your letter." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

,,„ ^. "Centreville, Va., April 5th, 1863. 

Dear bir : 

"I received yours, dated 3rd [only two days], and con- 
cluded to spend the evening with you. Today I wrote to 
Annie and Alden. I enclosed to the latter a package of bank 
notes, generally 5's, for spending money, and thereby have 
bought off one correspondent for some time. 

"I wish you could pay me a visit, to learn for yourself 
and friends, what military life on the pickets really is. 

1 "The Count," Capt. Biscaccianti's horse. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 357 



"It is no place, however, for nervous individuals. Nine 
o'clock has just sounded, and already, before and since I began 
to write, three different signals of the enemy have been 
announced to me. They are, however, distant, and I have 
no apprehensions that they will come within reach of my 
twelve 'bull dogs,' much less attempt to meddle with my 
'nettle patch.' 

"I expect to get a good sound sleep tonight, and that will 
be a luxury and a rarity to me. I sleep but little at night, 
sometimes not at all. When I am in good health I experience 
no inconvenience, as I require but little sleep at any time, and 
that I can take at any hour. 

"Last night we had an alarm, and 'Dave' Shields, with 
his cavalry, rode through darkness and a terrible snow storm 
to the picket line, only to find it was false. 'Dave's' people 
would scarcely recognize him. He has grown a great deal, and 
every day appears more manly. His friends may well be 
proud of him. 

"Each day gives me more confidence in my command, 
and now that I have gained theirs, I think I can whip the 
Rebels here, in Centreville, five to one, and on any ground, 
even. 

"Corts appears sanguine in obtaining his appointment. 
Says if I will go to Wsahington, it is sure. As I go tomorrow 
to Upton's Hill, on courtmartial, I will try to go to the city 
to aid him if possible. 

"I go, with witnesses, against the commanding officer 
of the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment, and may discover some- 
thing relative to my friend R. B. R.,^ and upon my return 
I will write you my experience. 

"Our soldiers are anxiously awaiting the workings of the 
'Conscript Act.' God help the poor conscripts that are 
quartered with our 'old soldiers.' They will be bored to death. ^ 

"In, and throughout the army, there is a marked improve- 
ment in every branch. There is no ground for dissatisfaction, 
although no murmur of discontent is heard, except against 
the traitors at home who, by words and deeds, are giving 
comfort to the enemy, and insulting us. 

"I cannot write more at present, but will try to find time 
when I return. Love to mother, and say 'still water runs 
deepest.' Love to Rachel, Margaret^ and all the little ones. 
Regards to friends. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alexander Hays." 

1 The Pennsylvania Reserves, then under command of Colonel 
Wm. Cooper Talley. R. B. R., Colonel R. Biddle Roberts, the former 
colonel, having resigned. 

2 The Conscript Act — the draft, and hence conscripts — drafted 
men. The general's fears were groundless. 

3 Rachel, Margaret, Mrs. Hays' sisters. 



358 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Centreville, Va., April gth, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"A very happy woman's letter dated 5th was received 
yesterday and made a man very happy. In fact, I have been 
fortunate in the last five days. I rode to the courtmartial at 
Upton's Hill, and then went to Washington, five miles, to 
remain over night. I would then have written, but I was tired 
out, riding about 30 miles, after a week's confinement to the 
house. We rode from Washington next day, and I was glad 
to see the flag at Centreville. I feel, however, vastly improved 
in health, in fact, I never felt better. 

"I have read 'The Spasm of Sense,' ^ and it is 'first rate.* 
You talk, however, of want of time, with six. Think of me, 
w^ith 3,000 children to feed, cloth, and generally provide for. 

"There is not a single day that I do not desire to write 
to you, or someone else, but in attending to my duties, I find 
the hour of 11 o'clock arrives unawares, and then the ambu- 
lance must go to Union IMills for the mail. 

"Kennedy did not receive the bundle, although it came 
to hand mysteriously in Washington. I have the dressing 
case, Bible and prayer book, with handkerchiefs. Tell Rachel 
I am very much obliged, and will acknowledge. 

"Corts is here today and says, with my letter he feels 
sure. I hope so. 

"I cannot delay the mail, so goodbye, and God bless you. 

Love to all, «,;r 111 

Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MISS RACHEL McFADDEN 

"Headquarters Third Brigade, Casey's Division 

"Centreville, Va., April loth, 1863. 
"Dear Rachel : 

"Even though it should excite the wrath of my worthy 
spouse, who imagines she alone should receive letters, I will 
write to you. I do not know that there is much in our life 
to interest you, but you have numerous friends, and I can tell 
you of them. 

"The weather, until today, has been very unpleasant, and 
for two months the roads had no bottom to be found. This 
morning the sun broke out splendidly, and a thousand birds 
gave us a grand concert, from the old orchard which surrounds 
our quarters. We now have a promise of good weather, and 
anticipations of a delightful time. I am requested by a unani- 
mous vote of 'the staff' to tender you an invitation to visit 

1 Most probably a magazine or newspaper article. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 359 

us, and bring your friends. I can promise you a jolly time. 
There are no more interesting localities, or pleasant rides 
and drives than will be found around here. I wish you could 
come, and if I find I am to be made a fixture of 'The Defense 
of Washington,' Annie and yourself will receive orders. 

"Some people think I ought to write oftener, but I wish 
they could see how I am almost constantly employed. I am 
now in bed after reveille [5 o'clock], and sometimes I do not 
go to bed at all. From breakfast until ii o'clock, when the 
mail leaves, I am employed, providing for my troops, and so 
busily that the time slips away unawares. The daily inspec- 
tions and visits to the pickets put in the day. In the evenings 
I write my ofiicial answers and communications, by which 
time I am willing to sleep, but a messenger arrives, perhaps^ 
with the announcement that Mr. Stuart, Mr. Lee, Mr. Hamp- 
ton or Mr. Mosby and company^ intend to visit me, during 
the night. For such distinguished strangers, I am forced to 
stay awake. Alas, poor Stoughton, what a fall, without firing 
a shot. His is only another instance of the fatal consequences 
of beauty, through which so many of the human race have 
fallen. Thank Providence, Dear Rachel, you and I have noth- 
ing to fear on that score but we make up the deficiency in 
goodness ! 

'T was pleased that your father formed such a good opin- 
ion of Kennedy, as he deserves, notwithstanding the tattle 
of some lady friends of Mrs. H's. He is well, and attends 
exclusively to the office. I hope, however, to have Corts back 
again, which will, however, interfere with no one. 

" 'Dave' Shields weighs 160 pounds, and is growing like 
a colt, and is a good boy. 

" 'Sailor Boy' is also a fine boy, but awful green. They 
are all in excellent health. I never have found a party get 
along more pleasantly. 

"I do not know, but I should take intentions into consid- 
eration, when I thank you for that dressing case. It is, 
however, most acceptable. Corts got the prayer book. 

"I cannot tell you of the infamy of d'Utassy and Schreiber, 
but I have a lecture to deliver, on the subject, on a future 
occasion. 

"Sincerest love to mother, and I want her picture. I 
have a very delible one on my heart, but other people cannot 
see it. 

"Love to all, and I promise to write oftener in future. 
Now goodbye. My love to all the girls, of course. 

"Your brother, 

"Alex." 

1 Distinguished Confederates — "Jeb" Stuart, Fitzhugh Lee, Wade 
Hampton. 



360 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Headquarters Third Brigade, Casey's Division, 
"Twenty-second Army Corps, 

"Centreville, Va., April 13th, 1863. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I fear you are a boaster of your punctuality, as I have 
not received the two letters promised me, this week, whereas, 
I have certainly kept my word, of late. 

"We are in the midst of stirring events. Three of the 
natives of Allegheny County, Mr. Sam Lyons, Lloyd and 
Dr. McOuaide, from Stewartstown, arrived here in search of 
two dead soldiers, killed at Bull Run.^ 

"I sent 'Col.' Shields out yesterday with his regiment and 
40 mounted men, to obtain the remains. Soon after their 
departure, I received orders to march, and sent a messenger 
to bring the parties back. I am all ready now, and anxiously 
awaiting further orders. There is great anxiety in the brigade 
to know who will command, as the division is ordered. I 
know the choice, if it was a matter of election. I never saw 
men in better spirits; they are jubilant over the prospect of 
action, and their confidence is very complimentary to me. I 
believe they will give a good account of themselves. 

"I have a new corresponding secretary, Capt. Thomson, 
a brother-in-law of Ed. Cowan's, and a good man. He has 
for temporary clerk, 'Dave' Elliott.^ 

"Our march will undoubtedly be toward the Rappahan- 
nock and after we start, it may be a week before I will have 
an opportunity to write home. I will, however, expect letters 
regularly. 

"I wrote you of the arrival of the presents from you, 
excepting those from little Rachel, which were received, with 
many thanks, and compliments by the recipients. 

"I will be pleased to accept your kind invitation to visit 
Kenridge, but I have not yet accomplished my mission. I 
feel confident, however, that a kind Providence will in time 
unite us all, and I will sharpen my sword for a bout with 
England. 

"I never felt in better health, and never had more cause 
to be satisfied, and it may be possible that I will command a 
division — in course of time, certain.^ 

1 Stewartstown was a hamlet on the Allegheny River opposite 
Lawrenceville, since became a large borough under the name of 
Millvale and also known as Bennett's Station. The dead bodies 
spoken of were men of Company B, 63rd Regiment. 

2 Capt. William Thompson of West Newton, Pa., a staff officer. 
Edgar Cowan was then United States senator from Pennsylvania. 
David Elliott was a civilian clerk, of a well known Pittsburgh family. 

3 Within two months General Hays' satisfaction was complete. 
Hays' division at Gettysburg will be mentioned later. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 361 

"I suppose we are destined for Culpepper to rout the 
Rebel cavalry there. If we become settled there for a time, 
it will be a good opportunity for friends to visit us. I will 
write some of them, when the good occasion occurs. Wrote 
to Rachel day before yesterday. 

"The brevets were not acted on on account of many being 
included who never 'smelt gunpowder,' but it will be allright. 

"Love to all, and kind regards to everybody. 

"Your husband, 



"Alex." 



GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 



"Dear Wife: "Centreville, Va., April 15, 1863. 

"I promised [and as I never break promises], I write 
again, with the occasion of delayed orders to march. 

"Our trains were all packed and the men, with three days' 
cooked rations, are becoming impatient for action. I know 
not where we go, but suppose towards the Rappahannock, 
although it was understood that the division of Abercrombie ^ 
at Harper's Ferry, has been ordered to take shipping. You 
can imagine that I am very much engaged. Last night I 
got rest from i o'clock to 6 this morning, but the night before 
I never closed eyes, and spent the time on horseback. 

"I am today endeavoring to force a train from Fairfax 
Station with vegetables for my troops. Kennedy is quite sick 
in bed. Shields and Sailer are well, but kept busy. For my 
own part, I am in perfect health. 

"The people from Stewartstown procured the remains 
they came for, and were full of thankfulness. You will no 
doubt hear from them. If we remain, I will write again. No 
more time now. 

"God bless you all, and love to everybody. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

LIEUT. KENNEDY WRITES THE NEWS 

"Headquarters Third Brigade, Abercrombie's Division, 
"My Dear Mrs. Hays : "Centreville, April i8th, 1863. 

"Nothing of special interest has transpired in this depart- 
ment since last I wrote you, except perhaps the change in the 
commander of the division. Night before last we received 
notice that General Casey had been relieved and General 
Abercrombie assigned to the command. Why General Casey 
was relieved, we as yet do not clearly understand, but sup- 
pose, and indeed, have had intimations to that effect — on 

1 General John J. Abercrombie, who succeeded Casey as General 
Hays' superior in command of the division. 



362 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



account of his high rank, being now a major general, and of 
course entitled to a more extensive conmiand.^ 

"General Abercrombie is a very old man, having entered 
the service in 1822. What his capabilities may be as an officer 
we have as yet no opportunity of judging. He has been in 
service since the war began, but not, I think, very actively. 
He designs coming to this post next week, and I presume 
we will have to vacate our quarters and take to tent life again, 
which although pleasant during warm weather, is not an envi- 
able state of existence when it is cold, and the wind blows, 
as it only can blow, in this country. 

"The general monotony of our life is occasionally varied 
by the advent of visitors, who are anxious to get to the battle- 
field of Bull Run for the purpose of procuring the bodies of 
friends killed in action, or those who are desirious of passing 
our lines and penetrating still further into Dixie. 

"Four days since, we had rather an amusing affair, which 
for a day or two kept us rather on the qui vive. About 12 
o'clock at night a young woman, escorted by four cavalrymen 
and two persons representing themselves as detectives belong- 
ing to the government police under Colonel Baker,- presented 
themselves at our headquarters with ostensible authority to 
cross the line, or rather, for the young woman to do so. After 
crossing, she was to proceed on her way, alone, south. She 
rode in a wagon, with a driver, but was to proceed by herself, 
after reaching our line. The general went with them to the 
line, but the stream was swollen and something in their con- 
duct excited the suspicions of the general, and he ordered the 
whole party back to headquarters, until inquiry could be made, 
and a satisfactory answer received as to her right to go south- 
ward. The lady in question was exceedingly indignant at the 
action of the general, and also quite pert in her manner. She 
had evidently seen much of the world, and was thoroughly 
posted in the ways of society. She also was decidedly familiar 
as to all the roads in this section of the country, having, as she 
said, lived in these parts in years gone by. She, with all her 
vivacity, was rather reticent, and although a great talker, was 
not disposed to give much information concerning her mission, 
further than to inform us that she was in government employ 
and on her way in quest of knowledge for the government. 
She certainly, from her character, made of boldness, confidence 
and readiness, is a fit person to be used as a spy, provided she 
did not give the Rebels as much and more news than she 
would, or might communicate to us. She would not go to 

1 General Abercrombie was a Tennessean who graduated at 
West Point in 1822. He was therefore, at the time Kennedy wrote, 
61 years of age. General Silas Casey was also an old man of the 
West Point class of 1826. 

2 Colonel, later Brigadier General LaFayette C. Baker, chief 
of the United States secret service. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 363 



bed that night, and as a consequence, poor general got no 
sleep. The next morning the two detectives were sent back 
to Washington and a telegram was sent to Colonel Baker 
inquiring as to the young lady. A satisfactory answer was 
received in the evening, and she could have then taken her 
departure, but in the meantime a tremendous storm of rain 
came on, and her departure was delayed for two additional 
days. I can assure you she kept everything and everybody 
awake around these 'diggins,' and Capt. Thompson, Sailer 
and 'Dave' all had in turn a sample of her wit, both sarcastic 
and pleasant. She was quite pleasant at times, and again 
sharp, according as matters developed themselves to her fancy 
or otherwise, and the general and she had it, at swords points 
the first day, with a vengeance. However, she very readily 
discovered that the general, to use common parlance, was no 
chicken, and she subsided under his control, gave up in despair 
not to carry any of her points with him. She appeared to 
succumb, half pleased and half mad. She would persist in 
remaining in our room during the day, and that, too, among 
so many men. The general began to feel like the Frenchman, 
who played for an elephant, and when he found himself 
installed possessor, did not know what to do with it, and began 
to imagine we would have the young lady a permanent fixture, 
as there was no prospect of the storm abating. The general 
became excessively tired, and was determined to get rid of 
her, at all events. Now, during all this time, I was sick, and 
confined to my room, or rather, a room up stairs, as I had 
to vacate mine, in behalf of some strangers, two men here, 
after the bodies of relatives. The general, however, kept me 
thoroughly posted. Day before yesterday the general was 
summoned to Washington to attend the d'Utassy courtmartial, 
and on that morning I got down stairs. Not feeling at all 
well, but knowing that he was anxious I should be around, 
and in the office during his absence, and then, for the first 
time, saw the fair damsel who had been creating all the hub- 
bub in our quarters. She was, and is evidently a young lady 
of age, about 28. Not handsome, or even pretty. Not in- 
teresting, though, or by means of much intelligence or mental 
culture, but possessed of an active mind, quick perception of 
character, and much of that knowledge only gained by obser- 
vation, and a thorough mingling in society of all kinds, having 
the faculty of communicating nothing that would throw any 
light upon her own history, and yet talking incessantly, and 
the power of making those who have not seen as much of the 
world as she, tell all they know, and all she would desire to 
know. Such I read her, and such I estimated her, after five 
minutes acquaintance. Whether my estimate is a correct one, 
I have no means of determining. 

"Well, all things must come to an end, both in nature and 
art, and as the clouds had disappeared that morning, and the 



364 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

sun shone brightly, the birds chirping merrily, and the 
chickens giving forth their peculiarly joyous notes, indicative 
of their intense pleasure at the change, the general concluded 
that the lady in question, called Miss Watress, alias Miss 
Annie Johnson, should take her departure southward. And 
as the general was to leave for Washington in an hour or two, 
I was charged to send her off. It being supposed, I presume, 
on account of my great age that I would not yield too readily 
to her enchanting power. The general left, and shortl}^ after- 
wards the young lady informed me that she wished to take 
her departure. The spring wagon was brought to the door, 
and Lieut. Sailer [who had been detailed by the general for 
that purpose] took his seat with her; the reins of her gallant 
steed in hand, and in a few minutes accompanied by the order- 
lies, started for Bull Run, over which stream he was to escort 
her. Soon they were lost to view across the plain, and down 
the Warrentown road. I turned on the porch, drew a long 
breath, and with a feeling of intense relief, went into my 
office, and soon, among the piles of papers, orders received, 
and communications to answer, forgot the fair damsel and 
her mission. Within a few minutes, however, a dispatch 
came from Washington, countermanding the order for the 
general to appear before the court. He had by this time 
reached Union Mills, and I was fearful had taken the cars, 
and was well on his way to Alexandria. However, I tele- 
graphed him, hoping to intercept. In about an hour, I received 
another dispatch from the War Department, from Colonel 
Baker, desiring if the young woman had not crossed the lines, 
to send her back to Fairfax Court House, and also to forward 
a written statement, relative to the acting and conduct of 
the two detectives who had accompanied her, but who had 
returned to Washington. I was about to answer the dispatch, 
when the general made his appearance, having received my 
message. I went into the offfce and began writing, when my 
attention was suddenly attracted by an exclamation from one 
of our orderlies, and looking out the window, I saw Sailer 
coming up the road, driving in gallant style, the young woman 
still in the wagon. Again all was bustle and excitement, which 
was soon dispelled upon receiving the intelligence that the 
streams were swollen so much that it was impossible to cross. 
Although the fair damsel persistently alleged she would have 
crossed if she had had to swim the horse. But that she had 
been overruled by the escort, and compelled to return. 

"Great was her annoyance when told that she must bend 
her steps towards the 'City of Magnificent Distances,' although 
she maintained admirable control of herself. She shortly took 
her departure again, to our relief. 

"What the full object of her mission was we never 
learned, and in fact, know nothing except that she was on 
some errand for the government. That she will undoubtedly 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 365 

succeed in making her way in and through the world, I have 
no doubt, but I, for one, should not like to be under her con- 
trol or to be associated with her through the bonds of legal 
relations. A pretty dance one would lead upon this stage of 
checkered existences. 

"Well, my dear Mrs. Hays, I am afraid you will, ere 
having perused this epistle thus far, have become a-wearied, 
both in the story and the writer. If so, you take this in doses, 
as a sedative, and right I am, you will quickly pass to that 
state commonly called sleep. 

"I will label all my letters, as I have in days gone by, 
as physicians do prescriptions, 'only to be used when, or after 
going to bed, and desirous of repose.' 

"But the truth is unless I write of the incidents concern- 
ing our everyday life, I can write nothing at all, for we rarely 
have anything in that line except an occasional scare devel- 
oped in Washington, concerning which we are daily informed. 
Although from our position as extreme outpost, we should be 
presumed to know more than they at the seat of government. 

"The weather today has been lovely, the air balmy and 
soft, and tonight I am writing with my window open. Nothing 
is to be heard, without or within, but the heavy tramp of the 
sentinel, interposed with an occasional loud challenge. The 
general is sound asleep, and the young men also, for the gen- 
eral has a fearful habit of routing everybody out of bed 
exactly at 5 o'clock in the morning, and now he has the bugle 
blown in the house, and all through the house, making noise 
enough to awaken the seven sleepers. 

"I wish you were here this pleasant weather. I am con- 
fidant you would enjoy yourself, and make up for deficiencies 
in that respect when with us at Union Mills. In addition, 
we have quite a number of ladies visiting in the various regi- 
ments, wives of officers, and one or two single, on a visit to 
their brothers. I understand that they are pleasant and agree- 
able. If we remain here long, you must endeavor to get back. 
I rarely see any of the ladies, from the fact that I am kept 
quite busy, during the day, and frequently during the night, 
and also from the other fact that I am not so much of a lady's 
man as I was in days gone, being in a transition state from 
an imaginative youth to a confirmed old bachelor. I am fully 
satisfied I shall remain so, unless you keep your promise and 
exert your influence to procure me a wife by the time the war 
is over, for I certainly will never be able to find one myself. 
I used to be exceedingly susceptible in my youth, but have 
got bravely over it now, and then again you know, after the 
war is over, and I should be fortunate enough to escape, there 
will be an elegant chance, for there will be many, many fewer 
young men, and more young ladies. I don't speak of this in 
a light manner, but as an existing fact. 

"I presume we shall have General Abercrombie with us on 



366 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



Tuesday of next week, from a telegram received this evening. 
His assistant adjutant general, who was with us last night 
[and who, by the way, I have formed a great dislike to, on 
account of his manner, allied to not a remarkable degree of 
common sense or intelligence or refinement], told me he was 
very sorry they were going to leave Arlington House, and 
coming to this forsaken country ; that they infinitely preferred 
staying there. We have also learned today from some officers 
who have been with Abercrombie that he has a very unpopular 
staff, and a very disagreeable one. I can only say that if they 
attempt to play off any airs upon us, they will find they have 
some old officers to deal with, and not green ones who have 
never seen service, like those with whom they have been asso- 
ciated since the war began, for the fact is that the general 
[Abercrombie] has not been engaged in very close operations, 
and his old division has seen the Rebels only at a convenient 
distance.^ 

"I have also been informed that but one of his staff has 
ever been in a battle, but all assume a profound knowledge 
of military affairs. I sincerely hope we may have been mis- 
informed — time alone can determine, and should it prove 
otherwise, we will be the first to do them justice. At any 
rate, we will meet them as gentlemen, and treat them as such 
until we have reason to adopt a contrary policy. 

"1 am satisfied that the general was intensely disgusted 
with Capt. Slipper, assistant adjutant general, last night, for 
he assumed, with an air of vanity, a profound knowledge of 
the history of the Peninsular battles, in which he was not a 
participant, and criticised with the air of a general of experi- 
ence the whole of that campaign. He drew in his horns very 
considerably when he discovered after a lecture of an half 
hour that he was talking to a general who had been in all 
the engagements and was thoroughly posted. I was much 
amused to see with what infinite chagrin he arrived at the 
conclusion that he had made a fool of himself, and had 
rendered himself somewhat ridiculous. I think he went back 
this morning a wiser man, for he told me he had supposed, 
and in fact knew the regiments of the brigade to be new 
troops, and also supposed the general commanding, a man 
appointed from civil life. Whereupon I indicated to him in a 
quiet way that he was lamentably ignorant of the fighting 
men of the war, and was almost entirely alone among army 
officers in his want of knowledge of the military character and 
reputation of our general, who had seen more service and had 
won more scars than nine-tenths of all our officers and gen- 
erals now in service, and that we had quite a number of officers 
in the regiments of the brigade who had participated in many 
engagements. 

1 Lieut. Kennedy is speaking of the division at Harper's Ferry 
whicli General Abercrombie left. He is wrong as to the general, as 
will have been seen. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 367 

"Capt. Jones, with the battery [the nth Massachusetts] 
which has been with us since the organization of the brigade, 
was yesterday ordered back to Washington, preparatory to 
being mustered out of service, inasmuch as their time expires 
in about four weeks. His battery has been replaced by the 
9th Massachusetts, which is in for three years. We were all 
exceedingly sorry to lose Jones, for he has one of the finest 
drilled batteries in the service, and in addition was an ener- 
getic, pleasant and intelligent man. He was equally sorry 
to part with the general, for whom he has formed a sincere 
attachment, and with whom he desired to see service. 

" ^ Hastings also regrets losing him, for the relations 
between the men of the batteries was extremely cordial. Hast- 
ings is as fat and as merry as ever, but anxious as to his fate, 
having heard indirectly that he was to be replaced by the 17th 
New York [battery]. Inasmuch as his tim.e is out in August, 
and there appears to be a disposition to take all batteries from 
the front to Washington whose term of service has, or will 
expire during the summer, he wants to have an engagement 
with the enemy before his return to Philadelphia, to render 
an account to the good people concerning his services. 

"I know the general will make a strong fight for him, and 
I think successfully. 

"We have all, you know, become so much attached to him 
that we consider him as one of our family ; he was here 
tonight, and I could hear his ringing laugh in the other room, 
every few minutes over some of the general's stories. 

"d'Utassy's trial drags its slow length along and bids fair 
to last all summer. The proofs of his rascality are vast, and 
it has already been shown that he has received at least $15,000 
in money, and how much more will be proved, I cannot say. 

"Schreiber is still doing what he can to get restored. I 
don't think, however, that he will succeed in this.^ 

"An examination made by one of the telegrams on file 
in the office at Union Mills, and of which I have had copies 
made, show that while he was with us, and when you were 
there, and from the first day of your arrival, he kept d'Utassy 
thoroughly informed of all our movements, every day life, 
orders issued, and to be issued, which would in any way effect 
him, and a vast deal which did not. In fact, that he was keep- 
ing up a perfect system of espionage upon us. 

"In one of the telegrams, dated the 8th of January, the 
day before we reached Union Mills, he says : 

" 'General Hays has not arrived, good for you.' In 
another, sent over here on the day we came here on a visit 
and I came with you in an ambulance, and while we were on 
the road he telegraphed, 'Mrs. Hays, the general and his two 

1 Capt. Matthew Hastings of the Keystone Battery. 

2 Schreiber seems to have been true to his name — a writer. 



368 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



orderlies have just started.' 'Dave' and I are designated as 
the two orderlies. Quite complimentary, was it not? 

"I assure you I thoroughly appreciate all he was doing 
when the general was doing all he could for him, and you and 
the rest of us were trying to make him comfortable, sympa- 
thizing with him in his misfortune, and pitying his condition. 

"We paid all his expenses, and contributed many little 
things for his edification, while at the same time he was send- 
ing to d'Utassy everything he could lay his hands on that he 
thought we would not miss. He sent him nearly all my books, 
and some valuable documents belonging to me. 

"I often wondered where all our paper disappeared to, 
so rapidly, and on one occasion I mentioned to him that during 
the night or evening previous, some one had taken nearly a 
ream of my best letter paper from my desk, which I valued 
specially, as but little of the kind could be procured. He 
manifested the greatest interest in the matter and ordered 
diligent search for it. Of course it was not found. 

"Ten days since having learned that d'Utassy had carried 
off a large amount of blank paper, etc., belonging to the 
brigade headquarters, and which he had brought from Union 
Mills to this point, as well as the flags of the 39th Regiment, 
the general sent Capt. Baer to Washington to bring them back. 
He brought back with him a government wagon full, and 
among five or six reams of writing paper, and a thousand 
envelopes, blanks, etc., I discovered the very letter paper I 
had lost — was there ever such ingratitude? 

"Well, my dear Mrs. Hays, I must really close. The 
general is well and lively. All the aids are well except myself, 
but I am infinitely better than I was. Please give my respects 
to your father. Miss Rachel, your sister and all the children. 

"Yours truly, 
"T. R. Kennedy." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JAMES B. McFADDEN 

"Centreville, Va., April 20, 1863. 
"Dear James: 

"Got your letter yesterday. The papers you refer to were 
presented to the committee on claims, then sitting at Harris- 
burg, after having my affidavit attached. 

"I know no more. Any official at Harrisburg can post 
you on the matter of claims. 

"I don't like your short letters. If a man writes, he ought 
to write like I do. Ann Hays, by her insignificant note, has 
condemned herself to 'scraps' for the next month. 

"Pearson's picture is horrible.^ 

"General Abercrombie takes command of this division, 
and, oh. Lord ! but I will tell you more when I know more. 

1 "Pearson," Alfred Pearson Hays, the general's son. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 369 



"There is not much probability of our leaving soon, and 
I would like you to come on, even if we left. A trip to Wash- 
ington would do you good. Say, if it will be so, and I will 
make arrangements to meet you in Washington. 

"If I remain within reach, I want Annie with me, about 
the first or middle of next month. 

"My kind remembrance to Mrs. G. W. Murphy, Lieut. 
'Tom' McFadden, Colonel Stockton ^ and McMillen, Matthew 
and all others. 

"Corts is here, and thinks he has his appointment sure, 

A. A. A. General. .yours sincerely, 

" 'Alex' Hays, 

"Brigadier General Vols." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

■"Dear Wife • "Centreville, Va., Sunday, April 20, 1863. 

"You will expect a very short letter, and you shall have 
it. Yours, dated 14th, arrived last night, and I am very thank- 
iul. 

"This is a most delightful day; more enjoyable after such 
weather as we have had. Our camps are very gay, enlivened 
and humanized numerous styles of Tennessee loveliness. At 
guard mounting a number of lady visitors from the 126th 
[N. Y.] made their appearance, and caused me to suffer ter- 
ribly from a fit of home and wife sickness. The orders we 
have had to move, have been suspended, and we may remain 
here some time. If I remain, or am within reach, you will 
get an order to join me in May. 

"I have directed Kennedy to write and he reports twelve 
pages. That ought to satisfy a most insatiate creature. He 
will tell you of my trials and crosses with Madam Watson, 
alias Waters, alias Annie E. Johnson,^ a war detective whom I 
captured, and like the man who won the elephant, did not 
know how to dispose of, after won. 

"I send dear Martha^ a few little withered flowers in re- 
turn for hers to me. Soon we will have abundance of them, 
and I will send more. 

"Love to all, and God bless you. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

"We are all well. Say to 'Jim'* to come at once." 

1 "Colonel" Stockton and McMillen, lifelong employes of John 

B. McFadden, loved by all the family. Matthew, a man of all work 
for the Hays family. 

2 The woman seems to have given the general as much trouble 
as the enemy. 

3 Martha, the general's daughter, later Mrs. Robert B. Black, 
now deceased. 

4 James B. McFadden, the general's brother-in-law. 



370 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Centreville, Va., April 20, 1863. 
"Dear Sir : 

"I find leisure this morning, and will occupy it writing 
whatever may come uppermost. Our anticipated orders to 
march have not been received although we have been ready 
for ten or twelve days to move, at an hour's notice. 

"It does not follow that our force is of no importance. 
In fact, its necessity in this region, is the cause of a change 
in the program at Washington. Our first destination was to 
Suffolk, but Hooker interfered to keep us here.^ 

"You may estimate the importance of this command from 
the quantities of ordnance stores required to be carried. Four 
hundred rounds of ammunition [enough, nearly, to wear out 
some of them], for each piece of artillery. One hundred 
rounds of small ammunition, in each man's possession, and 
enough in wagons to last for weeks' continued fighting, allow- 
ing intervals for sleeping and eating. Seven days' rations, 
three cooked and in haversacks. 

"For a time it was believed that I would have command, 
whatever was to be our destination, and it gave particular 
satisfaction to my own brigade, and I believe the whole divi- 
sion, for I have their confidence. A few days since General 
Casey was relieved by General Abercrombie, who takes today 
my quarters, while I move into tents, situated in the very 
bosom of my brigade on a spot overlooking the country for 
miles. There appears to be no question, either here or at 
Washington, as to who will be required to do the fighting. 
It is insinuated that I am too fond of fighting, which is as 
ridiculously absurd as many other reports made of me. I 
really do not know what our soldiers enlisted for, but I know 
they want a little fun. 

"I can tell you nothing of the change until I write again. 
I do not at all dislike it, as it will not only relieve me of all 
disagreeable responsibility here, but give me leisure to more 
perfectly organize and drill my brigade as well as time for 
private purposes. 

"Corts is now with me, and appears sanguine that he will 
receive his appointment. I telegraphed to Colonel Puleston^ 
yesterday to call upon Secretary Stanton, and to ask Corts' 
appointment as a 'favor to Pennsylvania, and a personal one 
to me.' I think he will succeed. 

"I have really a very fine set of young men attached to 
me, and have no fear of the stuff of the Third Brigade, if 
we are ever called upon to make a dash. 

1 Hays' Brigade was assigned to the Third Division, Second 
Corps, June 25th, 1863. 

2 Oolonel James H. Puleston, military agent of the state of 
Pennsylvania at Washington. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 371 

"Kennedy is the book worker, while Shields and Sailer 
are 'gallant squires,' of all work. They are favorites, and 
respected by all. I have never seen a greater transformation 
than in the case of 'Dave' Shields. He has developed into a 
full grown man, with the self-possession of a veteran. 

"I am very much pleased that Annie is satisfied with her 
new home. Whenever she is pleased, I am more so. The 
picture of Alfred is awful, a caricature of the boy, and I want 
one of both the 'little fellows.' 

"I also want Annie to go to Dr. Hullihen to send me a 
new strong set of springs for my teeth. I don't want any- 
thing more in this letter. 

"I have mentioned the spirit which pervades my command, 
but it is not single. From letters from the Potomac Army I 
am satisfied that a far better feeling exists than ever before, 
amounting to enthusiasm, you can acquire confidence, that in 
the next conflict we will prove ourselves superior to anything 
the South can produce. 

"Love to all. God and the Union. Dismay to Copper- 
heads. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex." 

A break in the most monotonous round of camp and 
guard duties is noted in this excerpt from a war-time diary 
of Surgeon Charles S. Hoyt, of the 126th New York Volun- 
teers : 

April 2ist — Brigade reviewed today by General 
Hays. Order of brigade : Right, 125th New York 
Volunteers; left, 126th; right center, iiith New York 
Volunteers ; left center, 39th ; right. Keystone Bat- 
tery;; left, 9th Massachusetts; day pleasant, affair 
passed off creditably. 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Centreville, Va., April 24, 1863. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I could not let the mail leave without a short note to 
you, although I am anything but idle. General Abercrombie 
has arrived and assumed the responsibilities of the post, and 
I have removed with my family, and am now occupying the 
highest point in the county, with tents, in full view of the 
Rebels [if there are any within sight]. I am pleased with the 
general so far and anticipate nothing unpleasant. 

"In health I never was better, and so far as I can enjoy 
myself, I am doing it. There are some little longings in which 
I would indulge, if I dare. If you were here, I would ask for 
nothing more, for the present. 



372 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"If there is a prospect of my command remaining this 
side of the Rappahannock, even for a limited time, I will invite 
you on. 

"All are well. Hastings is fat and hearty. You will find 
the d'Utassy case in the papers. Mrs. B. is still by his side, 
although he is in close arrest. Capt. Charley B. is to be 
mustered out of service. 'Children suffer for the sins of their 
parents.' 

"Can't write any more. God bless you and love to all. 

"I go to Washington on courtmartial tomorrow or Mon- 
day, will write from there ; rather, the court is in Alexandria. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex" Hays." 

AN OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION 

Adjutant General's Office 

Washington, April 25, 1863. 
Sir: 

I forward herewith your commission of Septem- 
ber, 29, 1862 as brigadier general. United States Vol- 
unteers, your receipt and acceptance of which you 
will please acknowledge without delay, reporting at 
the same time your age and residence when appointed, 
the state where born, and your full name, correctly 
written. Fill up, subscribe, and return as soon as pos- 
sible the accompanying oath, duly and carefully ex- 
ecuted. I am sir, very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 
James A. Hardie, 

Asst. Adjutant Gen'l. 
Brig. Gen'l "Alex" Hays, 
U. S. Volunteers, 

22d Corps, Dept. of Washington. 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Kirkwood House, Washington, D. C, April 29th, 1863. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I have delayed writing you, a day, to send you a remit- 
tance. It was my desire to have sent you $200, but I find my 
extra expenses of this month, including part pay for my new 
horse, 'The Count,' and bills incident to living in hotels in 
Washington, will require me to restrict you to your allow- 
ance. I send draft on New York for $175, drawn by Major 
M. F. Webb, enclosed. 

"Tonight is one of intense interest here, as it will be to- 
morrow with you, when it is announced that Hooker has 
moved, and worst of all, Sesesh sympathizers are chuckling 
over a reported repulse of our army. I do not believe it. 

"I am full of news, much more than I can communicate 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 373 

by letters. We, Shields, Sailer and I, have been before the 
august tribunal of the Pennsylvania Reserves. There is no 
use to conceal the fact that their animosity against me is most 
bitter, but you know the old adage, my motto : 'Save me 
from my friends, and I can take care of my enemies.' 

"Tonight as I was sitting with a number of friends in 
the office, in walked the Great R. Biddle Roberts, who is to 
act as Military Agent of Pennsylvania.^ 
*********** 

"I saw Heintzelman today and had a very cordial recep- 
tion, although we fought before parting on the subject of 
refugees, women and children. 

"At Centreville, I left all quiet and well, and received a 
most complimentary request that I would permit my officers 
to make an application to the secretary of war, that I might 
be assigned to command my brigade, untrammeled by supreme 
authority and expressing unlimited confidence in me. I 
sternly rebuked them.^ 

"Am I not a lucky man to make so many friends, and 
enemies? 

"Tomorrow will decide Corts' case, but I am determined 
to carry him through, therefore he is now at Centreville, and 
quite domestic. 

"Dave and Sailer are with me, and two better boys, each 
in his way, I could not wish to have attached to me. I treat 
them as if they were our boys. Sometimes I am cross, and 
sometimes pleasant, just as they behave. 

"They are both at the theatre, and I have made the sacri- 
fice of my public pleasure, to write to you. Was there ever 
such self-denial exhibited by a husband — 17 years old, at that? 

"I received a 'Pittsburgh Post' today, and for the first 
time in my life have laughed over 'an obituary' until I ceased 
from exhaustion. Case of McQuiade & Lyons — such lies I 
never saw. 

"If I am not required on the d'Utassy courtmartial I will 
return to Centreville tomorrow evening. I have a lecture in 
preparation for you, Rachel McF. and others on the subject 
of predistinction in favor of young 'Dutch' gentlemen, who 
are not sufficiently known, for Schreiber is the most infamous 
scoundrel I ever knew. 

"Well, today I received copies of the old photographs 
which will be sent you, and I have two other styles taken, 
which I think are excellent, or will be, and will send enough 

1 Colonel Roberts acted as military agent from April 27, 1868, 
until December, 1863 [succeeding Colonel Puleston], when he re- 
turned to duty on the governor's staff until the end of the war. 

2 "Supreme Authority" — undoubtedly General H. W. Hallock, 
who "bothered" more than Alex Hays and he knew better than his 
volunteer officers in this matter. 



374 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

to go around to all my sweethearts. I have an idea of having 
one, at least, painted by Ulke for my favorite, but am in doubt 
if it would be acceptable. 

"I suppose if I named her, it would not startle the public, 
for even that dear creature knows I love her more than life. 

"I had my hair cropped today, with the intention of send- 
ing a package home, but discovered that the crop fell scant, 
and would not go around, so for prudential reasons, suppressed 
the gift. 

"Love to all, and God bless you. I will send flowers to 
the children when I return. .your husband, 

"Alex." 

As the incident of the First Reserves gave General Hays 
much worry and concern, it will be well to quote here the 
facts as related in the "History of the 126th New York Regi- 
ment," and from an entirely disinterested source : 

"February 27th, 1863. — A detachment of the Pennsylvania 
Reserves, temporarily attached to the brigade, and encamped 
near it, became fractious and refused to do duty, whereupon 
General Hays called out the 126th and ordered them to dis- 
arm the insubordinates, who were condemned to fatigue duty 
in the rifle pits, the 126th standing guard over them while 
they worked. This soon brought them to terms ; but the inci- 
dent was pleasant to our boys, showing the confidence placed 
in them by their superior officer."^ 

It mattered not to General Hays where the troops were 
from — if they had been from Pittsburgh or Franklin, they 
would have been subjected to the same ordeal if mutinous, and 
any soldier will tell you that the slightest reluctance to per- 
form any assigned duty is mutinous and the officer in com- 
mand can take summary action. It is very evident that Col- 
onel Roberts or his successors, had not inculcated immediate, 
absolute and implicit obedience, or this regrettable affair had 
not occurred, and Colonel Roberts, an able lawyer and an 
officer of high rank, above all others, should have known the 
law as to mutiny, and the procedure in such cases always swift, 
vigorous and unavoidable, if only as an object lesson to others. 
General Hays had no alternative. He acted as any commander 
should. Yet the First Reserves, as a fighting force was one 
of the best organizations from the state, and had a most glori- 
ous record. Probably the men were over persuaded that 
Roberts' authority and influence were greater than they were. 

1 "Disaster, Struggle, Triumph;" P 135. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 375 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Centreville, Va., May nth, 1863. 
"Dear Wife : 

"I know you are expecting anxiously to hear from me, 
and I can assure you I am getting quite as anxious to hear 
from you, as I have received no word for a week. 

"We all feel anxious for news. You have the sad news 
for the Shields family, of the death of William. For two days 
I made inquiry in Washington, hoping I might be able to 
secure the body. As I was required here, I sent word for 
'Dave' to come down. He is yet in Washington, with per- 
mission to remain as long as necessary, but there is no hope 
of the recovery of the body now.^ 

"We are all well, and very hopeful; strong in faith and 
making our position here much stronger by new fortifications. 
Abercrombie prefers to be absent, and has the consent of all 
parties. 

"I was up nearly all last night, and early rode along my 
picket lines. Returned in hope of writing a long letter to you. 
Since then I have been very busy examining and granting 
papers to citizens, as we have become strict. 

"I will write you, at length, as soon as possible. Yours 
and Agnes'^ pictures are perfect, and we want more. I have 
had what people call a splendid fac simile taken. In my hurry 
in leaving Washington I intrusted them to Mr. and Mrs. 
Graham, two old friends of father's, to be sent to you. Tell 
me if you receive them. 

"God bless you all, and love for distribution. 

"Your husband, 



'Alex.' 



LIEUT. KENNEDY TO MRS. HAYS. 



Headquarters Third Brigade, 

Abercrombie's Division, 

Twenty-second Army Corps, 

"Centreville, Va., May 13th, 1863. 
"My Dear Mrs. Hays : 

"I don't know how I have incurred your displeasure, nor 
do I know that I have so done, but I am certain that I have 
in a measure fulfilled my promise to write, and sometimes 
imagine my lengthy platitudes have alarmed you and that 
you feel like withdrawing your promise, and not writing to 
me at all, or, at any rate, not answering my letters. 

"However, I have charity enough to suppose you to be 

1 Lieut. William C. Shields, Company G, 28th Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, killed at Chancellorsville — body never recovered — a 
brother of Lieut. David Shields. 

2 The general's eldest daughter, Agnes, afterwards Mrs. George 
A. Gormly, now deceased. 



376 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



deeply engaged in the manifold duties incumbent upon the 
head of a family, when spring returns. Such as rigging out 
of the urchins in new clothes, making garden and generally 
attending to chickens and other domestic aflfairs. 

"The weather is extremely warm, succeeding a week of 
extremely cold and disagreeable weather, and as I write the 
perspiration is oozing out of every pore in streams of triumph 
over limp paper collars. To say that I am sitting with my 
coat off and sleeves rolled up, with feet in slippers and collar 
open, is expressing nothing more than the truth, although I 
am aware that such a state would not agree with the more 
fastidious notions of our semi-would-be cultured society, and 
that my appearance would not prove attractive to romantic 
young ladies, whose ideal of our officers consists of stiff coats 
and brilliant buttons, polished boots and unsoiled gloves at 
all times, and under every possible circumstances. 

"Of news I have not much. We still occupy our exalted 
position on the heigths of Centreville, awaiting like Micawber, 
for something to turn up, and like him, with the full expecta- 
tion that it will prove to our advantage. 

"Doubtless you are aware that General Abercrombie has 
command of our division, and has come from Washington 
and taken his abode among us, turning us out of the old house, 
and turning himself in. Well, we were not disappointed at 
leaving, in fact, the General had made arrangements to do so 
some time before he [Abercrombie] assumed command, all 
of us preferring tent life in warm weather. 

"The old man has been in service since 1822, and is now 
comparatively harmless. Two or three of his staff are very 
pleasant fellows, but his adjutant [Slipper] has about as little 
sense as any man I ever saw in his position, and adds to his 
ignorance, a very disagreeable manner, which has rendered 
him detested throughout the brigade. He does not bother us 
much, but takes particular delight in annoying his inferiors, 
and those who are in the office, such as clerks and orderlies — 
delights in little petty acts of cruelty. 

"The general [Hays] was absent two weeks in Wash- 
ington attending the d'Utassy courtmartial and during that 
time we received several orders that looked strongly towards 
a move and a fight. You ought to have seen the anxiety mani- 
fested by the officers and men of the brigade for his return 
and presence. Many of the officers told me the brigade would 
not fight half so well if the general was absent, and verily I 
believe they would not. Every day privates came to my office 
inquiring when the general would return, and when I received 
a dispatch from him, saying he would be with us in case of 
a move, their joy knew no bounds, and the report spread like 
wildfire. 

"The general has equal confidence in the brigade, and I 
am satisfied it would not disappoint him. 



Hays* Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 377 



"Tomorrow we are to be reviewed by General Abercrom- 
bie, at 9 o'clock. The old fellow seems to have the utmost 
confidence in General Hays and sends for him whenever he 
gets into a quandary. 

"Sailer has been ordered back to his battery in pursuance 
of a recent order, and will leave our headquarters tomorrow. 
We all regret exceedingly to lose him, but have the consola- 
tion of knowing that he will be but a few steps from us. 

"The batteries are under command of the general of divi- 
sion and all their orders are received from these headquarters. 

"Poor Capt. Hastings is as jolly as ever, and hates Capt. 
Slipper, Abercrombie's adjutant general, with intense cordial- 
ity. He and his lieutenants spend nearly every evening 
with us. 

"Our present headquarters are delightful, situated upon 
a knoll which slopes gradually down to the road. We have a 
beautiful yard with 200 feet front on the road, back and on 
top of the little hill about 200 feet is situated our tents, five 
in number. Directly on the front of the road or about ten 
feet from it is my office ; in the yard between my office I have 
planted full of cedar trees and in front of each tent is enclosed 
a space or circle about ten feet in diameter, with a hedge of 
cedars, through which the sun with difficulty finds its way. 
So that sitting outside we have an agreeable shade, and cannot 
be seen from the road or camps around us, and yet we can see 
everything going on around us. On the left of the stafif line 
of tents and at right angles are the pioneer's tents. Immedi- 
ately back of the general's tent is our dining tent and Henry's 
kitchens — 100 yards back of them again are the stables made 
very neatly of brush and old tent flies for cover ; between the 
stables and our lines of tents the ground is filled with cedars. 
I took this matter in hand myself, and planted a tree wherever 
I could find space, and irregularly the whole is surrounded 
by a rustic fence, around which outside are planted trees. My 
office has two openings, one on the side next to the road, and 
the other opens into the yard, so that I can step into the yard, 
and by a little winding path reach the general and our own 
tents, though the office is sufficiently near to the general's 
quarters so that he can call for anything he wants. To the 
right of the general and our staff line and outside of the en- 
closure is situated the tents of the orderlies within easy call, 
and on the left, and also outside of the enclosure is the post- 
office tent, placed so that it can be reached without entering 
the yard.^ I may say without vanity that my efforts have 
caused much admiration, and the general, 'Dave' and Sailer, 
when they came home, were delighted. The general thinks 
the whole grand, and when the sun is the hottest, enjoys the 
shade of the improvised vine and fig tree, sitting inside of 
his little hedge enclosure. He can see everything that goes 

1 See pencil sketch of this camp headquarters and photograph. 



378 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



on, and often astonishes remiss sentinels or wrong-doers in 
the neighborhood, who, after a vigilant examination, imagine 
he's out of the way, whereas he is safely ensconsed in a nice 
rocking chair^ [the one used by Beaureguard and Johnson, 
when here, and which some of the boys found and gave him, 
afterwards identified by citizens here], and seeing everything. 

"Hardly had I finished my improvements and yard, which 
was visited every day, when Hastings began and improved in 
the same way in his battery, and now every regiment is rejoic- 
ing in its artificial shade, and the tents are nearly buried 
among the trees. 

"I would, if we had the water, have a fountain in the 
middle of the yard. 

"I was much amused at the remarks of officers while I 
was in the midst of my improvements. When visiting me, 
or passing along they would say that as soon as I got through 
we would have to move, but I told them that when they had 
soldiered as long as we had, they would invariably pitch their 
tents with a rest of even a day, as if they designed remaining 
a month [which was frequently the case with us, when all 
thought we would march the next day]. I predicted also that 
they would soon be following our example, and they did. 

"Hastings commenced, being delighted with the appear- 
ance of our headquarters, and astonished how a few trees 
relieved the bareness of a dry hill, and soon his battery was 
surrounded with an artificial grove. 

"The general was highly pleased with the transformation 
in the appearances of the camps of the regiment. Abercrom- 
bie's staff, who had chuckled at the idea of getting possession 
of our large old house, already fixed for them, now wish they 
had our location and headquarters, and would readily ex- 
change, but fortunately for us and unfortunately for them, 
they cannot select twice. They complain much of the loneli- 
ness of their quarters, and well they may, for they turned 
away all the detachments and guards camped around them 
when we occupied the house, and have no troops near them 
except the 126th Regiment [N. Y.], and poor Colonel Sherrill, 
and officers of that regiment are extremely anxious to have 
the general move their camp to where we are. 

"We are encamped nearly in the center of the brigade, 
regiments on three sides of us, and the batteries to the right 
and left. Then again, when we occupied the house it was the 
center of attraction, and every day, and especially in the eve- 
nings, large numbers of the officers come down and sat with 
us, and the band discoursed sweet music every morning and 
night. The brigade guard was mounted in front of our quar- 
ters. The provost marshal with his guard had a pretty camp 

1 This chair was sent to Mrs. Hays at her home, and at the time 
the old Pittsburgh Exposition burned, October 2, 1883, it was de- 
stroyed with other relics of the war, loaned for exhibition. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 379 



on one side, the pioneers on the left, the 126th Regiment 
[N. Y.] on the right, and the ambulance corps in a pretty 
orchard in the rear. Scarcely an hour in the day passed but 
that some officers were visiting the general, not only from 
our own, but other brigades, all attracted by the general's 
sociability and open-heartedness, and merry peals of laughter 
rang through the old house, caused by the general's and others' 
anecdotes. So that our quarters were the center of attraction, 
where all delighted to come, and where every one was treated 
with cordiality, which made them feel entirely at home. 

"Now, scarcely an officer goes there, and as Hastings says, 
all who do are so glad to get away. I was much amused last 
night by a remark made by Lieut. Waterbury, aide to General 
Abercrombie and a very nice fellow ; he came up here and 
found the general sitting in front of his headquarters, while 
sitting around him on stools, and chairs under the trees were 
gathered some thirteen officers of the brigade. 'Why,' said he, 
'every time I come here in the evenings, when its pleasaant I 
find host of visitors, and all appear to be enjoying themselves, 
while no one comes to spend an evening with us, and I have 
to come here to find any company. I only wish I belonged 
to General Hays' staff, you all appear to be so much at home, 
and I know you have twice as much work to do as we have.' 
However, I think I know the reason, and the balance of the 
staff feel it. 

"Poor old General Abercrombie remarked to Colonel 
Sherrill the other day that he wondered why so few officers 
came to s-ee him, that he would be glad to see them any time. 
The colonel says he was on the point of telling him, that if 
he would get after Mr. Slipper things might change. But at 
present he keeps every one away. 

"Let me give you a specimen of his style. About ten 
days ago Colonel Proctor^ of the Second Brigade called to 
pay his respects to the general, never having seen him. Going 
into the office, he enquired for the general, mentioning his 
business. 

" 'You can't see him today, sir,' says Mr. Slipper, and 
went on with his writing. Colonel P., indignant at the tone 
and manner of the answer, put on his hat and remarked that 
General Abercrombie would call on him when he wanted to 
see him, and this in the presence of Mr. Slipper, who, being 
subordinate, did not venture a reply. A few days afterwards 
Colonel Fessenden, commanding the First Brigade, with the 
colonels of his regiments, called upon a similar mission and 
were treated in exactly the same style. Capt. Hastings was 
with them for the same purpose. They left, intensely dis- 
gusted. A day of two subsequently he visited Colonel Fes- 

1 Colonel Redfield Proctor, 15th Vermont Volunteers, Secretary 
of War 1888-1889, and at his death, 1908, United States Senator 
from Vermont. 



380 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

senden, that is, General A., and remarked to Colonel F. that 
he had been waiting for him to call, but despairing had cast 
off legal etiquette and called first. 

"Colonel F. informed him that he had called, when the 
general, in great surprise asked him where and when, all of 
which he was duly informed. He did not appear to like it, 
but kept quiet. I believe Slipper had told Colonel F. cavalierly 
that the general was out, when the fact was, they had seen 
him entering the house as they approached. The general was 
informed of this, when he remarked that it could not be so, 
inasmuch as he was never out at that hour. Similar incidents 
occurred with other officers. 

"How long do you suppose General Hays would tolerate 
such conduct on the part of any of his staff? Why, it has been 
with the utmost difficulty I could prevent him seeing officers, 
even on comparatively trifling business, when he was sick, 
and demanded rest and quiet. 

"These incidents arose while the generaF was in the city, 
for he was summoned there two days after Abercrombie came, 
and I assure you he was much surprised when he heard of it, 
as also with Mr. Slipper's way of doing business in the office. 
When I had frequently, when alone, to send hurriedly to Mr. 
S. for information concerning matters of immediate import- 
ance, and concerning which a speedy reply was desired and 
needed, he would not even receipt my communications at time, 
or answer them, frequently putting us to great trouble. Some- 
times saying the communications were not in their office hours, 
when he received communications. The idea of having office 
hours when a division is in the field, and on outpost duty, 
and the Rebels all around us. The indignity was not to me, 
but to the commanding officer of the brigade, in the general's 
absence. 

"Then, again, he would send orders to the regiments 
directly, without sending them through the proper channels, 
would not send the countersign, until after 12 o'clock, M,, 
when we needed it at 8 A, M., and necessity required us to 
have it. He continued to act in that way until last Saturday 
the general quietly came home and the countersign not having 
arrived, and the general having been duly informed, he 
mounted his horse and went down to see the young gentleman, 
who put on so many airs, and informed him the countersign 
must be sent, when we wanted it, and not at an hour of his 
selection ; that he wanted him to understand that communica- 
tions to his brigade must be sent to these headquarters; that 
he wanted him to understand that he commanded the brigade, 
and not Mr. Slipper of General Abercrombie's staff; and that 
when communications were sent, of importance, by me, by 
direction of the commanding officer of the brigade in his 
absence, he wanted them and would have them answered, no 

1 General Alex Hays. 



1 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 381 



matter at what hour in the day or night. The result has been 
that the countersign comes at the proper hour, and communi- 
cations are answered directly. 

"The fact of the matter is that Slipper has complete con- 
trol over old General Abercrombie, and answers many com- 
munications, endorses many papers, admits or refuses admis- 
sion, as he sees proper, and the poor old man gets the blame, 
not deservedly, either, for we all rather like the old fellow, 
who wants to be more sociable than Slipper will let him. 

"The staff has a holy hatred of him, and an adjutant 
general, with his influence with the general, rules them with 
an iron hand, and renders them very uncomfortable at times. 
They get up here as often as they can, and are really, pleasant 
fellows. 

"The clerks in Mr. Slipper's office are afraid to say their 
souls are their own. He does not pretend to do any business 
before lo A. M., and quits at i or 2 o'clock, after which hour 
until the general came back he would neither receive nor 
answer communications, or sign papers, whereas we have to 
work from 5 in the morning frequently until long after mid- 
night. 

"For instance, it is now 20 minutes past 2 o'clock, all are 
sound asleep and yet around is a great deal of business. 

"While awaiting for the clerks to copy long and important 
orders which have to go out at daybreak, I write this. 

"Slipper punished an orderly by tying him up by the 
thumbs for twenty-four hours for not having his horse as 
clean as lie thought he should be. This was before he came 
here. 

"I imagine he does not like one of us, and I am satisfied 
he has a wholesome dread of General Hays, since the inter- 
view the other day, for he had found out, I suppose, by an 
examination of the Army Register, that the general is a 
Regular, and from what he said to me one day I know he 
fears them; at any rate, he does the general, from what I 
have heard today from one of their staff. 

"Well, I have written you vastly too much about a poor 
subject, but as this is a chapter of our every day life, I thought 
it might be interesting to you, as throwing some light upon 
our relative relations with the division headquarters, which 
are pleasant with the exception indicated, and he don't bother 
me, now, since the general's return. 

"He has been for the past ten days trying to ingratiate 
himself with the officers, and has been to see us three times. 
He thinks that I am very unsociable, and that I ought to call 
there frequently ; was profuse in his compliments of the ap- 
pearance of our books and papers ; thought we beat them badly 
in the way of getting them up, etc., a wonderful change since 
the general came back. 

"But as Captain Hastings says, and the other officers, he 



382 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



[Slipper] has begun too late, his reputation is fixed through 
the division, and he will be annoyed ten-fold worse when he 
tries to retaliate, for every one above the rank of captain can 
snub him, and have already begun quite elYectually. While 
our relations might have been pleasant, they are now an- 
tagonistic, and will continue to be. 

"I wish much you could be with us now; we have some 
of the most beautiful and wildly romantic scenery to be found 
in any section of the country, and the profusion of wild 
flowers, and their great variety, would astonish you. I have 
handsome boquets for my office table every day, and I know 
you would delight in them. 

"Poor 'Dave'^ has heard of the death of his brother on 
Friday night, and I can assure you he feels it deeply ; he is 
now in Washington awaiting the recovery of the body. I 
hope they may succeed in getting it. 

"How soon we shall move from here, or whether we shall 
move at all, is shrouded in mystery. 

"The general's health is pretty good now, although last 
week he had another attack of the bilious cholic, with which 
he and I are at times affected. He is, and has been, exceed- 
ingly busy for the past three weeks, while in Washington 
constantly engaged on the court or on matters pertaining to 
the division with Heintzelman. 

"I am much obliged for your photograph, and it is now on 
its way home. I think it good, but too sober. 

"You must really excuse this scrawl, for I have written 
at a race horse speed and amid frequent interruptions, know- 
ing that if not finished tonight I might not have an oppor- 
tunity for a long time again. 

"Please remember me to all the family, to Miss McFadden 
and your father, and should you get time amid your many 
household duties to write me a few lines they will be grate- 
fully received. I don't know whether you can read this or 
not. And I really don't believe it is worth the trouble of 
deciphering. 

"Yours truly, 

"T. R. Kennedy." 

A most costly sacrifice on their country's altar was made 
by the Shields family, when at the Battle of Chancellors- 
ville. May 3, 1863, William C. Shields, first lieutenant in Com- 
pany G, 28th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, known as 
the Sewickley Rifles, and a brother of "Dave," was mortally 
wounded. The Union lines being repulsed in a desperate 
charge, it was impossible to rescue the wounded, and the 
battlefield — a dense woods — taking fire, friends were unable 

1 "Dave," Lieut. David Shields. 



J 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 383 

to recognize the dead after the field was again taken by the 
Union troops, and young Shields' body was forever lost to his 
family, sleeping today among the countless thousands who 
are numbered among the army of the "unknown dead." The 
28th was in General Geary's Division of the Twelfth 
Corps. ^ 

"Rus" Kennedy, it will be noted, was most intimate 
with the Hayses. General Alexander Hays boarded with the 
Kennedys while a student at Allegheny College. Rustin 
Kennedy himself graduated at JefiFerson College, Canonsburg, 
although he was a student for a while at Allegheny and later 
founded the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity there. He was the law 
partner of Judge Derickson of Meadville and died January 5, 
1882. General Hays said to Kennedy in his good-bye, " 'Rus,' 
I will make a spoon or spoil a horn." The reference was to 
the obsolete expression, "By the big horn-spoon." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Centreville, May 14, 1863. 
"Dear Annie: 

"Since my return from Washington I have received but 
very brief letters from you, and that written in a spirit which 
affords me pain. 

"Agnes sends me a note of ten lines, which I received yes- 
terday, to which is added three lines by you, upon note paper, 
informing me that Kirkwood- had probably lost a leg, giving 
no other information or cheering word. The note has neither 
place, date or postmark. 

"I will not spend my brief time in scolding, hoping that 
this day's mail will return, with 'Dave' Shields, and kind letters 
from home. 

"Three days ago, while I was passing over the picket line 
with Corts and Sailer, 'Dan' suddenly bounded over a ravine 
upon the side of a steep hill, and by the unexpectedness of his 
action sprained my back badly. I have, however, been on 
horseback every day, often part of the nig:it. Yesterday from 
8 o'clock A. M. until 2 P. M. we had a grand review and in- 
spection. Abercrombie expressed himself highl}^ gratified, as 
I certainly was, giving me further evidence and expression of 
the confidence which my command now has in me. 

"Abercrombie pronounces it one of the best brigades in 
the service, and thinks I ought to be proud of it, which I am. 

1 General Geary was the first colonel of the 28th Regiment and 
organized it. 

2 Colonel William Speer Kirkwood, who shortly afterwards died 
of his wound. 



384 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"I have not been idle one minute since reveille, and now 
it is past mail time. 

"Although there are two stars in this horizon, there is only 
one visible. 

"I have a large pocketbook full of flowers for the children, 
which I will send forthwith. 

"I have no news, even from Washington. We continue 
to work in the ditches, but I think we will leave before we 
need to use them. Take this for what it is worth. 

"Love to all. Mine to you is unabated. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Headquarters Third Brigade, Abercrombie's Division, 
"Centreville, Va., May i6th, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"I take advantage of the morning's stillness to write. 
Reveille has sounded, but, contrary to usual custom, I have 
permitted my staff to snore away that I may be uninterrupted. 

"A brighter scene never was pictured than this from my 
tent on the highest point in the country. The sun is fairly up, 
the air balmy, and all nature is smiling within the range of 
the eye, which can sweep over the area of an ordinary county. 
I have paid my respects to my private family, 'Dan' and 
'Leet,' who are taking their breakfasts, priding themselves 
upon a new pair of shoes which each has received. They 
reply to my caresses somewhat like children, pretending to 
bite as I stroke their glossy skins, and ask me, in horse Latin, 
which I understand perfectly, 'Let's take a ride this beautiful 
morning.' 'The Count' is recovering from a severe attack 
of influenza, and promises good service in a day of need. 

"Yesterday, in a long ride along and beyond the pickets 
with Corts and Shields, I gathered some old familiar little 
flowers for the children, which I will enclose. I will also 
send in another envelope some papers which may interest 
them when they are old enough to understand and appreciate. 
I have and could send you my commission as brigadier general 
if you desire it, although I may require it. 

"You complain of not having received any letters for ten 
da3's. I cannot account for it, as I certainly write often, 
though briefly, even if such was the case, you have no right 
to be, and write, so despairing. It is wrong and un-Christian. 

"Why should not you, or Rachel, or Agnes, write me 
something every day? You have no fortifications to build, no 
long line of pickets to ride over at the risk of your necks, or 
drills, parades, or reveille to attend daily. My dear wife, you 
appear, like my horse 'Dan,' to grow simpler as you grow 



Hays* Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 385 



-older. Nevertheless, like my horse 'Dan,' I love you more 
and more for your very weaknesses. 

"I received yours of the loth yesterday and it was con- 
soling if not satisfactory. I will continue to write as often 
as I have time and opportunity. As for news, we have none 
except from the daily papers. Have sent to me regularly the 
Evening Chronicle. 

"Corts is still with me, but not yet received his appoint- 
ment. I will write again to Stanton if it does not come soon. 
Kennedy and Shields are both well. 'Dave' takes the loss 
of his brother hard, but bears up like a man. Sailer [boy] 
has returned to the battery very reluctantly on his part and 
regret on ours, but a general order required all artillery of- 
ficers with their commands. 

"Captain Hastings spent a short evening with me [last]. 
He is as jolly and as bacchanalian in his ensemble as ever. 
Sends regards. 

"I know there are one thousand and one things I want to 
say and which I would say if you were present, but my 
thoughts are really 'wool gathering' this morning. To give 
you an idea of how much I am employed I have not been able 
to read the newspapers for three days — get all my news, 
really, at meals. 

"You will have received my pictures and I will receive 
another invoice today, which will be transmitted. 

"Tell my dear, sweet Katie^ that I love her more than 
ever and will answer her letter. Love to all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

CAPT. CORTS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Washington, May i8, 1863. 
"Kind Friend: 

"I am happy in being again in the military service, having 
received appointment of assistant adjutant general and the 
additional good luck of being ordered to duty with General 
Hays, and will enter upon my duties tomorrow. 

"The general says the 63rd No. 2 is now organized, and 
when opportunity offers the fame and glory of the 'Iron 
Clad' 63rd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, will be fully 
sustained by the Third Brigade. 

"General Hays is extremely popular with his troops ; they 
have perfect confidence in him, and know when it comes to 
fighting they will have to do their work. 

"It is sad to think of the loss of so many of our brave 
comrades, yet pleasant to know they all [with a single excep- 
tion] died nobly, and the 63rd looms up gloriously. The result 

1 The general's niece, daughter of George W. Murphy. 



386 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



of the late battle/ although not decisive as we all had wished, 
has not caused the least depression in the army. We fear 
the cowardly Copperheads more than the Rebs. If our friends 
at home will attend to the traitors we will manage the enemy 
in front. 

"I have but time to scribble these few lines informing my 
good friends of my promotion, and will again be myself when 
actively engaged at my duties. 

"Enclosed is express company's receipt for package this 
day forwarded for Mrs. Hays. 

"Desiring to be kindly remembered to the members of 
your family and friends, I am, very respectfully, 

"Your friend, 

"George P. Corts." 

"To John B. McFadden, Esq., Pittsburgh, Pa." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Centreville, Va., May i8th, 1863. 
"Dear Sir: 

"It is Sunday, a day of rest to all under my command. I 
wish you could be present to witness the perfect repose of the 
brigade. The day is beautiful; horses, dogs and soldiers are 
loafing in squads at all points within the pickets. One blast of 
a bugle, however, would animate and assemble all in fifteen 
minutes' time. Though 'blue moulded,' we are despairing of 
getting into a fight, and the probability is that we will have 
to rest on our old laurels and let others pluck the green bays, 
'The Harpers Ferry boys' have turned out trumps, and when 
we do get a chance look out for blood. 

"A few days since we had a review and inspection, and 
I must confess I never was so proud of any command. The 
General [Abercrombie], I am only a general, says there is not 
a better brigade in the army. The confidence and devotion 
exhibited towards me by officers and men is truly flattering, 
and I must confess that they have won upon me until I will be 
loth to part with them. 

"The glorious old 63rd has again met the enemy, and, as 
usual, suflfered terribly. We hear nothing except from news- 
papers, but we surmise that our list of friends is abbreviated. 
If I am not permitted to live to write the history of the 63rd2 
it will be my last request to some friend, competent to do the 
case justice, to write its history, and will settle the question 
so long mooted, 'Can Volunteers Fight?' 

1 Chancellorsville. 

2 The history of the 63rd Regiment, under the title, "Under the 
Red Patch," was written by Gilbert A. Hays, son of the general, and 
published in 1908. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 387 

"Rippey's Regiment^ has done gallantly and does honor 
to his memory. 

"I have intended, when time affords, to have written to 
you fully of my affairs with the First Pennsylvania Reserves 
[late Biddle Roberts'], but it all ended. The bitterest feeling 
was excited, or so attempted, against me, and as I told you 
long ago R. B. R. was the author of the whole of it. I have 
an account, of which you know not, to settle with him. I 
always told you 'save me from my friends and I can take care 
of my enemies.' 

"I have written until my mail cart is waiting. Corts goes 
around chuckling over his appointment of assistant adjutant 
general. Hays' Brigade. He must have a horse, and Uncle 
'Jake' Painter^ is the man to honor his own family in horse- 
flesh. Nothing less than a first-rate horse, fit to associate 
with 'Dan,' 'Leet' and 'The Count,' will be accepted. If Uncle 
'Jake' is so penurious as to refuse $500 for this occasion your 
citizens must raise it. Turn this matter over to James.^ 

"H I am to be banished to this place I will send soon a 
requisition for a wife and two children. 

"Corts will write from Washington. 

"Love to mother [real and sincere] and to all. 

"Yours, 

"Alex." 



GENERAL HAYS TO JAMES B. McFADDEN 

"Centreville, Va., May 20th, 1863. 
"Dear Jim : 

"I am out of humor and all patience with my dear wife, 
inasmuch as I have received no letters for two weeks. 'Dave' 
Shields is similarly situated, as he has not heard a word from 
home since the death of his brother. 'Dave' is much depressed. 

"I write now on business, knowing that you will take 
greater interest in me than my wife has shown [tell her that]. 
I sent some time ago for a new pair of springs for my teeth 
to Dr. Hullihen. Will you see him and send by letter? I also 
must have a new coat. Will you give the order to Gray, to 
be forwarded as soon as possible? He has my measure, which 
was a good fit, and now wants to be proportionally enlarged, 
one size, as I have grown fat and weigh 190 pounds. The 
cuffs to be of dark blue velvet if possible. 

"I have wanted you here for some time. The weather is 
delightful and the air exhilarating and bracing. I am sure it 

1 61st Pennsylvania, belonging to the Sixth Corps. 

2 Jacob Painter, the wealthy iron manufacturer, uncle of Corts, 
and then the head of the firm of J. Painter & Sons of Pittsburgh, 

3 James B. McFadden. 



388 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



would benefit you. Come on, even if but for a trip to Wash- 
ington, and bring Annie. Our stay is very uncertain, but if 
•we move )^ou can return. It may be that I will be kept in my 
present position and probably as long as there is an enemy 
to threaten Washington. My brigade has the name of being 
the best in drill and discipline in the department, and I really 
believe it. I never have held a command in which I enjoyed 
so much the confidence and respect of all, although I am as 
cross as a bear. 

"My military happiness reached a climax when Corts was 
assigned to me. Our organization is now perfect, and Corts 
goes swaggering around in his new clothes quite natural and 
relieves me very much. Cannot a horse be secured for him? 
He is as poor as poverty. 

"I have a ride almost daily along and beyond the pickets 
and wish you could enjoy one with me. 

"Love to all and regards to friends. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex., B. G."^- 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Centreville, Va., May 21, 1863. 
"Dear Annie : 

"I am nursing my wrath to keep it warm. Neither 'Dave' 
nor I have had a word from home for two weeks, except 
Agnes' most unsatisfactory note. It is too bad. I am exceed- 
ingly angry with you, but I would be willing to 'kiss and make 
friends' if I have a chance. 

"Last night we were out beyond the lines until i o'clock 
watching for the enemy's scouts, and this morning I was up 
again at 4 o'clock. I arouse all the boys at reveille, which they 
do not relish. 

"I feel a great relief in having Corts again with me. 
'Dave' is very sad over his brother's death, but all try to cheer 
him up and he bears up like a man. 

"My bodyguard on expeditions to the front with Corts 
and 'Dave' are fourteen dragoons. The men are devoted to 
me, and I believe will stand by me under all circumstances. 
Kennedy is disabled, but is a most valuable office help. 

"No one interferes with me in our precautions of defense. 
General Abercrombie devotes himself to 'the ditches' and 
leaves the rest to me. I like him very much. 

"I understand that Schreiber intends visiting Pittsburgh 
[probably]. If he does so, you will not recognize him in any 
manner. I have intended giving you and Rachel a lecture on 
first impressions, but have not had time. 

"Hope you have received plenty of 'counterfeit present- 
ments.' You ought to see the rush for them. If my admirers 

1 Brigadier general. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 389 



are sincere I will become a 'household word' in the rural dis- 
tricts of New York. Don't be jealous, darling, but all the New 
York women want to have me on paper. 

"I wrote to 'Jim'^ yesterday for a new coat because I am 
becoming seedy, and for springs for my teeth because I cannot 
eat hoe cake. 

"Do please attend to my orders. I have entreated you and 
James to come on. 

"Address me hereafter directly. 

"Love to all and God bless you. Guard is mounting and 
'Dan' awaits me. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

A graphic battle picture and a touching story of suffer- 
ing is told by "Billy" McGranahan, then adjutant of the 63rd 
Regiment. General Hays loved McGranahan and Kirkwood 
as though they were his sons, 

w. M. McGranahan to his brother james. 

"Birney's Division Hospital, May 20th, 1863. 
"My Dear Brother: 

"Hard job to write lying on my back, but I must scratch 
a few lines to relieve your anxiety. I am doing very well 
here, although not yet out of danger. On Sunday morning. 
May 3rd, about 6 :30 o'clock, I was shot through the left side 
by a Minie-ball. The ball passed clear through and went on 
its way rejoicing, having entered the small of my back about 
two and one-half inches from the backbone and coming out 
in the abdomen pretty well toward the side. 

"Shot in the back, but no disgrace, as I was mounted and 
endeavoring to steady the men as we fell back to a position 
where we had the advantage of the 'greybacks.' Feeling my- 
self wounded and unable to remain in the saddle, I checked 
up the horse and dismounted ; the animal broke from me im- 
mediately. I followed on after the regiment some fifty yards, 
but had to give it up, I was getting so weak. Down I went 
face foremost among some bed clothes [comforters] upset 
from a medicine wagon. There I lay while the battle raged 
around me and over me and the Demon Rebels came howling 
on. In half an hour the fierceness of conflict ceased directly 
about me ; the Rebs went to the right and left into woods ; 
then it was that I espied a 63rd boy who had come back that 
far to look for a wounded comrade. I hailed him and got a 
drink of water. He got me fixed more comfortably and I had 
previous to that turned over on my back, which I found a great 
relief. I now discovered that some portion of my insides had 

1 "Jim," James B. McFadden. 



390 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

run out through the hole in my abdomen. This alarmed me 
considerably and I gave up entirely ; had no hope of ever get- 
ting away from there alive. A few minutes after some two 
or three 'Yankees' gathered around me and, making a litter, 
and placing some comforts on me, carried me inside our line 
some one-fourth mile. 

"The fire now became very hot. Shot and shell flew 
around us. I saw one or two of the boys wavered, and re- 
C|uested them to carry me to the side of a brook about one 
hundred yards distant. This they did, and then all but the 
63rd boy left me. While piling up knapsacks around me to 
keep away balls and pieces of shell from striking me he had 
his left hand struck ofT by a missile. I made him leave me at 
once. After that I had Rebel care entirely. They were very 
kind, but relieved me of several articles which they said I 
would not need — sword, belt, hat, etc. They put up a shelter 
to keep the sun off as it grew warm. Towards night a Rebel 
surgeon came around and gave me several powders of 
morphine to allay my sufferings for the night. I passed the 
night pretty easy. The Rebels made me some cofTee for 
breakfast and wanted me to eat some of their biscuits, but I 
could not go them — all dough. 

"About I o'clock I was carried back into the field where 
I had been shot and taken to an old open barn, where a Federal 
hospital had been established. Here I was made pretty com- 
fortable, and the surgeons — Drs. Zookly, Webster, Leet and 
others [Federals] — commenced to deliberate on the disposal 
of what had run out of the abdominal hole. The second day 
they decided that it was the omentum [a part], or the cover- 
ing of the intestines. This they ligatured and cut off even 
with the surface of the abdomen. I felt much relieved after 
this, and got along pretty well on poor fare for twelve days, 
which I put in on my back. 

"Finally, the ambulances came and my miserable ride 
commenced. The jolting and jarring nearly finished me. I 
got the ambulance to stop over night near our lines. Friday, 
the 15th, after we had recrossed the river, I was nearly ex- 
hausted. 

"Saturday we proceeded again slowly and 4 P. AI. brought 
me to this hospital, delivered almost safely from the hands of 
the Philistines. 

"Should my w^ounds show any more dangerous symptoms 
I will telegraph, so that you may be able to come on. At 
present I do not think it necessary. Your presence would 
only excite me. 

"Please show this to iMr. IMcFadden ; he is very anxious 
about me, and I cannot write to all. I am now exhausted 
with this afternoon's exertion. 

"My love to all. Tell my dear friends not to feel uneasy 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 391 

t^keV^f^^^'^''" ^7'' ^' ^'^^^ ^' ^" ''-^'' ^°°" a^d able to 
take^the held against his tormenters. 

P. "V^^^ ^^"""^'i ^^ i'^"''^' "^'"^ "°''^>^' ^s their loss will testify, 
^oor Kirkwood is down again with a bad wound 
No more, my dear brother. As ever, 

.<r> J , , "Affectionately yours. 

Regards to the boys. 

"Will."i 
GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Dear Wife : ''Centreville, Va., May 24th, 1863. 

"I merely write to satisfy you that, unlike some wives I 

wo°rI'frn ° T ''f ^ '"^ "P^7^^' ^^^h°"^h I have heard no 
word from home for two weeks. It is the case, also with 
Shields, and under the circumstances it is a shame if an>one 
is to blame. I cannot understand it 

T tbinlT ^""^^^Jl^'^V Sf a furlough for 'Dave,' and will, 
I think, accomplish it in a few days. I have written severa 
times inviting you and James to come on, even if but to Wash 

sK Z '^^ Z:^ '^"^^^ ^^^ ^-^- ' -- -y coaT^nd 

ride, and returned in the evening very tired I saw tL nIH 
grounds of the 63rd and it made L sa^. if the'coiTse 'of the 
thlLf^^^'^t the enclosed flowers. Some of them are from 
amoLr 15 lilT ^ T% T""^^^- ^^'y ^'^ ^^' distribution 
MaZa andtaS"' '"' ^'"^ ^" ^°"" 'forget-me-nots' for 

my tlmper.'' """' ''^' ^'""^ ^°'' ''''' ^^>^ ^ ^^" ^^^t^"^^>^ lose 
"Love to all. ,,_^ 

Your husband, 

axT ^ "Alex." 

vours tT,. r„r; ^^^''•^''' photographs? Send me more of 
yours. I he rush for mine is tremendous 

Address my letters direct to me at Centreville." 
GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 
"Dear Sir- "Centreville, Va., May 26th, 1863. 

"Annie has expressed a wish to visit me again at some 
later day, but as a protracted delay here is uncertain I wSh 
somf time" F °"'', ?^ Probability is that we will rern^n 
some time. Even if she only reaches Washington the trip 

three' we?ksTr!i?r.'''' °' ""'' ^°"^^ ''"^^ '' ^^^^^ ^irkwood lived 



392 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

will benefit her, while the visit will conduce to good standing 
with 'the powers that be.' I am certain I stand A No. i, but 
in future settlements it will be advantageous to keep up a 
feeling of interest. 

"We are jubilant over Grant's reported victory. 

" 'Such is life.' A short time since a common drunk, and 
vilely slandered, and now the New York papers kiss his feet ; 
and if he don't fall the Lord knows where they will not elevate 
him. 

"Hooker, I fear, is 'a dead cock in the pit,' and I regret 
it is so or that there is a necessity of change. 

"McClellan's intercourse of late with Copperheads is 
damning him in the estimation of his old friends. His re- 
nunciation of 'the world, the flesh and the devil' before a 
fashionable audience in a highfalutin church will not preserve 
the glorious prestige which his name conferred upon our 
troops.^ 

"They are men of common sense and know that when 
religion is associated with treason it is a mockery. 

"My own command is chafing to 'pitch in' to somebody. 
See the Philadelphia Inquirer of [I think] last Sunday, day 
before or after. If the Third Brigade has the decision I might 
ask for anything. 

"Everything is flattering in my prospects, and it is my 
desire that my wife should see to enjoy it. 

"Love to all. 

Yours sincerely, 

"Alex." 

'TVlail me direct to this post, 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Centreville, Va., May 26, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"I have received but one letter to mollify my wrath, but 
expect more today. We are jubilant over Grant's success 
and want a chance 'on our own hook,' but the probability is 
that we will be kept in reserve for some time to come to keep 
'the key to the defenses of Washington.' When we do move 
it may be far away.^ 

"I write shortly to your father by this mail to say that 
if you desire to come to see me so must it be, but if posi;ible 
you had better come at once. 

"Perhaps you might get a couple of hundred and a cure 
for homesickness. 

1 Alexander Hays' first words in derogation of General McClel- 
lan and Hooker was soon "dead," as General Hays predicted. 

2 The prophecy here is most apparent. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 393 

"In case coming is decided upon I must be written to and 
will meet you in Washington, but let there be no disappoint- 
ment No move, as Abercrombie and I will go to Union Mills 

"Love to all, 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MISS RACHEL McFADDEN 

"Dear Rachel: "Centreville, Va., June 3, 1863. 

"I have a mind not to write you a word. When it requires 
but one small sheet of paper from the whole family, such as 
the last I received from you and several others, it is hardly 
worth noticing. 

"I suppose you are all satisfied to get 'Dave' home Do 
not, however, keep him overtime. Say to Miss Rebecca^ that 
1 would positively have written to her the next day after the 
boy left, but I met with a slight accident, only 'Dan' and I 
falling down a bank. I was somewhat stunned and slightly 
bruised, but I will be well enough in a day or two. 

"I expect Annie to leave home on the 4th without wait- 
mg for 'Dave.' I will meet her in Washington, or if I am 
unable to go down on account of Abercrombie's absence I 
will send Corts or Kennedy, 

^'Nothing now except what you find in the papers. 

"Love to all and regards to friends. 

"Your brother, 

"Alex." 

MRS. HAYS TO HER FATHER 

"Dear Father: "Centreville, Va., June 5th, 1863. 

"I arrived in Washington yesterday morning at lo o'clock 
and found Lieut. Kennedy waiting for me. At i o'clock we 
took the boat for Alexandria and at 3 o'clock left that place 
m the cars for Union Mills, where I found the general and a 
number of officers waiting for me. After a pleasant ride of 
two hours I was glad to see the tents at Centreville. 

"My pen cannot describe the beautiful scenery around 
me. We see the Bull Run Mountains and away off in the 
distance the Blue Ridge. 

"We have three tents opening into each other, and in front 
IS an arbor of cedars, where we have stools and chairs and 
where I have been holding audience this morning, for all the 
officers I know have called upon me. 

"In the arch over the arbor is 'General Hays' headquar- 
ters,' the letters formed of cedar altogether. I am delighted 

1 Miss Rebecca Shields. 



394 Life and Letters of General Alexander Ha3^s 

and ready to receive any of the high dignitaries who may 
please to call. 

"The general looks well and is much pleased with his new 
coat, which fits nicely. ]\Ir. Hays is well pleased with his 
brigade, and I think has good reason to be so. 

"Corts is well and the busiest man you ever saw. 

"We look for 'Dave' Shields next week. Will you send 
the general some Windsor soap, as he now has his chin shaved 
every morning? I feel very proud of him and only wish you 
could see me. At guard mounting we wished that 'father' 
was here to see how well the men looked. 

_ "I know nothing certainly of d'Utassy, though I think 
he is to be sent to Fort LaFayette for one year.^ 

"Schreiber is in Washington dismissed from the service. ^ 

"I will write tomorrow. The general sends regards, with 
mine, to all. 

"Your daughter, 

"Annie A, Hays." 

MRS. HAYS TO HER FATHER 

"Centreville, Wednesdav, June nth, 1863. 
"My Dear Father : 

"Yesterday we received your 'official' letter of Sunday. 
I need not tell you it was welcome. I feel anxious about 
James and hope Shields will bring us a favorable report when 
he comes. 

"Mr. Hays thinks his measure had better be left with 
Gray, as his coats have always given entire satisfaction, and 
if there should be any alteration required it would be more 
convenient for Gray to do it than your New York tailor. I 
never saw Mr. Hays look better in any coat than the sack I 
brought. His wardrobe is in good condition. 

"The brigade has twenty-six hvmdred men on duty. It 
now consists of the 39th, iiith, 125th and 126th New York; 
the First Reserves were sent to Washington. The batteries 
now are under control of the division commanders, much to 
their regret, as the officers and men were much attached to 
Mr. Hays. 

"The sanitary condition of the brigade is wonderful, there 
being but three confined to bed and they are doing well. 

"The great secret of the general's influence over the men 
is the great care he takes of them. He is everywhere, sees 
and hears all that is going on, corrects everything amiss, 
always strict but firm and just in all his orders. I am much 

1 This statement is correct. 

2 Schreiber, when the charges against him were pressed, was 
found never to have been mustered into the United States service, 
and claimed the protection of his government and was let go. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 395 

pleased with everything so far, as of course I have all the 
attention and deference it is possible to give to a lady. 

"Yesterday evening General Abercrombie and staff came 
to spend the evening with us and it ended in a levee, for at 
least twenty officers were here ; we had a very pleasant time. 
Mr. Hays was full of fun and wit and kept us all laughing. 
I was surprised to find it ii -.30 o'clock when they said g-ood- 
night. ^^ 

"This morning I rode to 'guard mounting' with the 
general. The officers crowded around me, as they said I was 
the first lady who had ever reviewed them. We then went 
to the batteries, then to a number of 'secesh' families who have 
applied for relief, and the general wished me to see if they 
needed it. We then went to the hospital, a large frame house. 
We found everything in order and the men delighted to see 
us. I had been there before with oranges, and this morning 
I carried them some roses ; their thanks more than repaid me. 

"We expect to go to the battle ground of Chantilly this 
afternoon, though it now looks like rain, which is much 
needed. 

"I hope the little Colonel Kirkwood^ is a good boy. This 
is Martha's birthday. I feel she is a good girl and obeys all 
her aunt says. 

"I did not write yesterday, as we had company all day. 
Corts and Kennedy wish to be remembered. Elliott^ took 
breakfast with us and he looks and does well. 

"We have had but two Evening Chronicles.^ Please have 
them directed as your letters. 

"Love to dear mother. u^r , , ^ 

Your daughter, 

"Annie." 

Mrs. Hays and her sister, Rachel McFadden, were most 
assiduous in the hospital work wherever they happened to be, 
and many a sick and wounded soldier had cause to remember 
them for all subsequent years. Miss McFadden's connection 
with the Sanitary Commission in Pittsburgh and at the front 
is one of the proudest boasts of Pittsburgh's war record. 

MRS. HAYS TO HER SISTER 

, ^ "Centreville, Va., June 12th, 1863. 

Dear Rachel: 

"Yesterday afternoon Shields arrived and received a warm 
welcome, for he is a great favorite with all. 

1 The reference to little Colonel Kirkwood is not clear, perhaps 
a namesake. Colonel Kirkwood was over six feet in height. 

2 David Elliott. 

3 "The Pittsburgh Evening Chronicle." 



396 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"Yesterday we had a visit from General Stahel and staff, 
who were passing through with sixteen hundred cavalry and 
several pieces of artillery. They had been down to Warrenton 
Junction. I was pleased with the general. He is small, not 
very handsome, but looks as if he could fight; is the most 
unassuming Dutchman I have met.^ 

"Yesterday a large party went to the battlefield of Chan- 
tilly. I went on horseback and was much pleased, for Corts 
was able to tell us the position of the two armies and show 
where the 63rd fought. We then went to call upon General 
Fessenden, who commands a brigade of Vermonters. We 
were kindly received, the band was turned out, and it has the 
reputation of being the best in the service. 

"We arrived at Centreville in time for dress parade, then 
in the evening we had the usual amount of visitors. 

"This morning I was up before 5 o'clock, mounted 'Maria,' 
and with two orderlies I rode six miles; stopped to see the 
Keystone Battery and was home long before breakfast. Then 
I went to guard mounting to see how 'Dave' Shields com- 
manded. He does well. Came home and made some bouquets 
for my boys in the hospital, who are always glad to see me. 
The hospital is kept in excellent order, 

"Now, I must get my mosquito bar up and see to things 
generally. 

"You must write me directions about that stamping, for 
I do not know what you want me to do. 

"I had an excellent letter from Alden yesterday; he is 
counting the days until I come. 

^T am surprised to see that Herron- has been removed. 
Will it affect George's situation? 

"Give my love to all. 

"Your sister, 

"Annie." 

MRS. HAYS TO HER DAUGHTER 

"Centreville, Va., Saturday Morning, 
June 13th, 1863. 
My Dear Agnes: 

"Your papa received your letter yesterday, and as he is 
very busy it falls upon me to answer it. I will tell you how 
I have spent my time since this time yesterday. I made my 
mosquito bar and then papa and I mounted our horses and 
visited two regiments and afterwards went some miles to a 
deserted house and collected a quantity of roses. I have just 

1 Julius Stahel, Count Sebastian!, was born in Hungary. After 
the war he was for many years in the United States consular service. 

2 Reference is to Wm. A. Herron, then Clerk of Courts of Alle- 
gheny County, at Pittsburgh, who failed of renomination, and in 
whose office George W. Murphy was a clerk. 



Hays' Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 397 

sent General Abercrombie a pretty bouquet, and as soon as 
I write this I will take some down to the hospital. 

"On returning from our ride we stopped at dress parade 
at the iiith New York Volunteers. 

"While at tea I received a long string of fish from the 
Keystone Battery. I cooked them for breakfast and all pro- 
nounced them excellent. After 'taps' I had a delightful sere- 
nade from the quartette club. 

"This morning I was off for my ride at 5 o'clock, and a 
very pleasant one it was, for the country around here is very 
beautiful. After breakfast I went to 'guard mounting,' and I 
have to hurry my letters, as we are having the Episcopal 
church cleaned out and made ready for service tomorrow; it 
has been used for a cavalry stable until your father came here. 
The ladies are to meet there this morning to dress it with 
evergreens.^ 

"We are all well. Shields will write home tomorrow. 

"Ask grandpa to please write us long, newsy letters ; all 
take a great interest in them. 

"How is grandma? I hope she will give you a long lec- 
ture on your birthday and tell you how good I was at your 
age. ^^ 

"We feel anxious about Uncle James^ and hope to hear 
that he is better. 

"Kiss the little ones and let me know how Aunt Rachel 
gets^along. I do hope the children are good. 

"Papa sends love. .,__ 

Y3ur mother, 

"Annie A. Hays." 
MRS. HAYS TO HER FATHER 

"Centreville, Va., Thursday Morning, 

"My Dear Father: ^""' ''"' ''^3- 

"I hope I will be able to finish this letter, as it is the third 
one I have commenced, but each time had to lay it aside. I 
will now resume my doings this week, commencing on Tues- 
day morning. The general, with myself and escort, started 
to look for the 63rd soon after breakfast. After some hours' 
riding we came upon them suddenly encamped on the other 
side of Bull Run, near the old battlefield. 'At once there rose 
so wild a yell' upon the arrival of their beloved colonel that 
regiments ran in every direction to see what could be the 
matter. The men gathered around to shake hands and get 
one word.3 

1 Mrs. Hays was a devout Episcopalian. 

2 James B. McFadden, Mrs. Hays' brother. 

3 "The Army of the Potomac" was on the march to Gettysburg. 



398 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"I never saw the colonel so elated. He has something 
witty to say to all, and when [Captain] Doug-herty, of Com- 
pany H, came pushing forward Alex raised his hands and said : 
'Why is it possible that Company H is yet alive?' Such roars 
you never heard. We remained an hour, and on leaving they 
gave three cheers for our brave general. I saw Ryan, Gross, 
Haymaker, Maynard, McClellan, etc., etc., and Major Danks. 
He looks well, but had little to say. All inquired for you and 
wished to be remembered. 

"We rode on to General Birney's, where Alex was again 
made welcome, and remained there for lunch with Generals 
Birney, Ward and Graham.^ 

"We arrived home after 4 o'clock almost suffocated with 
the dust, the heat is oppressive and the men have suffered 
everything on the march. In one division twenty fell dead 
on the march, while four hundred were sent to the hospitals. 

"Major Sterling, of Ohio, called to see us. He says he 
is an old friend of yours. 

"This is a list of offtcers who have called : Major Generals 
Meade, Birney, Howard, Doubleday ; Brigadiers Ward, 
Graham, Robinson, Schurz ; Colonels Farnham, McCalmont 
and Coulter; Major Willis Biddle, who sent regards to Rachel, 
and hosts of others. 

"Our tents have been crowded from reveille until mid- 
night ; we have a table set all the time and we are all nearly 
worn out, but today the Third Corps leave and they are the 
last. Sixty thousand men have marched past our door since 
Sunday, destination unknown. 

"General Hooker leaves Fairfax Court House this morn- 
ing- ^^ 

"I feel very anxious about this raid into Pennsylvania 
and wish I was at home, though I would not now like to start. 
I will only remain a short time in Washington and Philadel- 
phia, as I wish to get home, it is so warm. 

"I was sorry to hear from the doctor who went with 
Colonel Kirkwood to Alexandria that he cannot live ; the 
journey has been very severe. I will try and see him if 
possible. 

"Ask Rachel to have the rest of the sweet corn planted 
and have a straw mattress made for Alden's bed. 

"Mr. Hays has been suffering severely with his eye for 
the last twenty-four hours ; he has both bandaged up now. 
The doctor thinks it is the dust, as the air is so full of it we 
can scarcely breathe. 

"I received yours and Rachel's of Monday yesterday. Give 
my love to dear mother, Katie and the rest. 

"Yours in haste and great confusion. 

"Annie." 

1 Generals J. H. Hobart Ward and Charles K. Graham of the 
Third Corps. 



Hays* Brigade, Twenty-second Corps 399 

MRS. HAYS TO HER FATHER 

"Centreville, Saturday Morning, 
Tune 20th, i86^. 
"My Dear Father: 

_ "Yours of Tuesday was received yesterday. Much 
obliged. We feel more anxious about you than of our own 
position. 

"The Second Corps, commanded by General Hancock, 
arrived last evening, and such a sight I never saw. The men 
were completely demoralized, no order or discipline. The 
officers only think of getting themselves under shelter and 
eating. They were committing some depredations when Alex 
would stand it no longer. He called for 'Dan,' buckled on his 
sword and pistols and dashed in amidst them, ordered them 
to move on, then went to General Hancock and told him that 
he [General Hays] commanded this post and forts and General 
Hancock's artillery must take up another position, all of which 
General Hancock has done. 

"The guards around our brigade have been doubled and 
the order given to shoot the first man who interfered. Alex 
was up this morning at the first streak of daylight ; he is now 
down with General Abercrombie. His eye looks better, but 
he needs rest. I wish he could have a furlough for a few 
weeks, but that is impossible. 

"I wish they had a few more Alex Hayses— this war 
would soon be over. 

"General Abercrombie came up yesterday. I asked him 
about Colonel Williams ;^ he was dismissed, he could not pass 
the severe examination. 

"I am sorry to leave Alex now. He requires me, but I 
do not wish you to be anxious about me. I will leave here on 
Monday and be in Philadelphia on Wednesday, and will only 
remain there long enough to get Alden some clothes.^ 

"Direct your letters to Horstman's, but do please write 
to Alex as often as you can; if you could only see what he 
has to go through in one day you would not complain of his 
silence. 

"I hope you can read this, for the noise and confusion 
turns my head. 

"Love to dear mother. 

"Your daughter, 

"Annie." 

1 Colonel D. H. Williams of Pittsburgh, colonel of the 82nd 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, appointed a brigadier general November 
29th, 1862, which commission expired March 4, 1863, and not having 
been confirmed by the Senate, was not renewed. 

2 In the logic of events, Mrs. Hays must have departed — Nolens 
volens. 



400 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

The whole of the Second Corps bivouacked at Centreville 
that night. The itinerary of the march shows that the corps 
marched from Sangster's Station^ on June 20th and thence 
towards Thoroughfare Gap and Gainesville, General Hancock 
succeeding General Couch in the command of the corps on 
June 9th, General Couch having been assigned to the com- 
mand of the new Department of the Susquehanna. It must 
have been exhilarating to have heard General Hays laying 
down the law to his old classmate and "buddie," Hancock, 
although outranked by the latter, and General Hancock was 
well aware that General Hays was right. It would probably 
be going too far to blame the corps as a whole for the acts 
of those adventurous spirits in any organization who go just 
far enough beyond strict discipline to subject the whole com- 
mand to censure. These are the strictures of Mrs. Hays, 
accustomed to the rigid discipline of the camps, and she was 
now beholding an army on the march, tired and careless and 
in an enemy's country. It is a matter of history that the 
Second Corps under Hancock earned its greatest fame. It 
was a splendid organization for all the purposes of war, and 
though General Couch was a most lovable man and a good 
soldier, the corps has gone down in history as Hancock's 
Corps, and Mrs. Hays' account of its lax discipline seems 
most strange. In a few days General Alex Hays was to be 
of that corps, to share its glory and renown, to help make 
that glory and renown, and he was proud of it. There was 
never a doubt of its being a fighting corps and that reputation 
appealed to Alex Hays. 

1 Sangster's Station was a station on the Orange and Alexandria 
R. R., east of Union Mills, or towards Alexandria, to be exact, be- 
tween Union Mills and Fairfax Stations. 



CHAPTER XV. 

GETTYSBURG 

THE last letter from the post of Centreville^ was of date 
June 20th — Mrs. Hays to her father. The first letter 
of this chapter bears the date June 30th — on the way 
up to Gettysburg. June 30th was Tuesday, the day before the 
great battle opened. Mrs. Hays undoubtedly left on the date 
set, Monday, June 22nd. 

For ten days Centreville had been the scene of great 
activity. The passing through of the great Army of the 
Potomac, the thrilling news of Lee's invasion of Pennsyl- 
vania, the active cavalry operations within the hearing of 
Hays' men, notably the action at Aldie, the bringing in of 
large numbers of prisoners, were exhilarating breaks in the 
humdrum routine of the onerous and tiresome round of duty 
Hays' Brigade had so long endured. The last corps passed 
and still no orders for Alexander Hays to move, but on the 
24th the welcome order came. "Join the Third Division of 
the Second Army Corps forthwith and constitute the Third 
Brigade of the division," it said. Then came work — the sick 
must be disposed of — they were rapidly sent to Alexandria 
and Washington. Surplus baggage was hastily gotten out of 
the way. Shelter tents were drawn and everything made 
ready for the moment, and on the 26th the brigade marched 
to Gum Springs and thenceforth was a part of Hancock's 
Corps. On this day also General William H. French was 
relieved of the command of the Third Division and assigned 
to the command of that delectable "man trap," as Longstreet 
calls it, known as Harper's Ferry, and Alexander Hays was 
appointed to the command of the Third Division in his stead. 
Some changes had been made in the division. Its three 
brigades were consolidated into two, General William Hays, 
commanding the Second Brigade, was absent, wounded, and 
his place was taken by Colonel Thomas A. Smyth. 

1 "Centerville," the accepted and usual spelling is "Centreville." 

401 



402 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Four regiments of nine months' troops, two from New 
Jersey and two from Pennsylvania, had been mustered out 
at the termination of their period of enlistment. The 4th New 
York, a two years' regiment whose term expired May 25th, 
was also lost to the division, whose removal left but the loth 
New York Battalion and the ist Delaware in the former Third 
Brigade, and three regiments, the 14th Connecticut, the 12th 
New Jersey and the io8th New York in the Second Brigade. 
Hence these five regiments were made a brigade under 
Colonel Smyth of the ist Delaware. 

At nightfall on the 26th of June, in the midst of a drench- 
ing rain, the Second Corps went into bivouac at Gum Springs. 
The historian of the corps [Walker] has a word to say: 

"Here joined for the first time a body of troops destined 
to bear a conspicuous share in all the future labors and 
dangers of the Second Corps, from the fast approaching con- 
flict on the bloody slopes of Gettysburg to the final triumph 
of 1865. This was the brigade commanded by the dashing 
Alexander Hays. General Hays had been colonel of the 63rd 
Pennsylvania and had distinguished himself on the peninsula. 
On joining the Second Corps, General Hays took command 
of the Third Division, that of the brigade devolving upon 
Colonel Willard." ^ 

General J. T. Owen, in command of this brigade subse- 
quently, was not with the command. He had commanded the 
Second Brigade of Gibbon's Division, but coming under his 
superior's displeasure had been placed under arrest, and 
Brigadier General Alexander S. Webb, who had just received 
his volunteer appointment, took his place. Previously Webb 
had been an artillery officer and on staff duty, and Webb at 
once leaped into the front rank of fame when Pickett broke 
his lines at the "high-water mark" at Gettysburg. 

The Second Corps crossed the Potomac on pontoons on 
the 26th at Edwards' Ferry, the old battlefield of Ball's Bluflf. 
On the next day it moved via Poolesville to Barnesville, Md. 
On the 28th Hancock is at Monocacy Junction and the men 
learn that Hooker has been superseded by Meade, Lincoln 
had for once "swapped horses in crossing a stream," and all 
on account of Harper's Ferry. But tactics or tactical matter 
are out of place here, and Alexander Hays' men had had 

1 "History of the Second Corps," Francis A. "Walker, Page 260. 



Gettysburg 403 

enough of Harper's Ferry. They had been there and knew 
Hooker was right in asking its evacuation. 

On the 29th the Second Corps marched from Monocacy 
Junction via Liberty and Johnsville to Uniontown, Md., some- 
what over thirty miles, and for the men who had been doing 
garrison duty for many months this was a most trying experi- 
ence. At Uniontown the reception of the Union troops was 
most cordial and inspiring. Kind words and good cheer lifted 
the hearts of the weary marchers, too many, alas! on their 
last march. The halt had been called at 10 P. M., the advance 
two miles beyond Uniontown on the road to Westminster, and 
here Alexander Hays found opportunity to write, and here 
the corps rested on the 30th and were mustered for pay, it 
being the regular bi-monthly muster. 

At daybreak on the ist came the order, "Move forward 
at once to Taneytown," which point is reached at noon. But 
eight miles away terrible events had been happening and 
Reynolds was dead, and the three days' battle of the century 
was in progress and dismay and disaster were in the air. 

Hancock himself hastens forward and arrives in the very 
nick of time, and the story of Hancock at Gettysburg has been 
written. 

The halt of the Second Corps had been called at Taney- 
town at II P. M. on the ist. At 3 A. M. on the 2nd the 
columns were again in motion. By 8 o'clock the corps was 
positioned where for all time shall remain the enduring monu- 
ments that mark its valor and loyalty. 

The Second Corps formed the left center of the Union line 
along Cemetery Ridge in the point of land between the Taney- 
town and Emmittsburg roads in front of and slightly to the 
right of Meade's headquarters, relieving Robinson's division 
of the First Corps, which later, on the third day, closed up 
on Hays' right, joining the Eleventh Corps line. Gibbon is 
on Hays' left and Doubleday to the left of Gibbon, with the 
remnant of his hard-fought division heroes of the first day. 

Woodruff's Battery I, First United States, is in Ziegler's 
Grove on Hays' right, and Arnold's Battery A, ist Rhode 
Island, between Hays' left, the 14th Connecticut, and Gibbon's 
nearest brigade, Webb's [his right regiment, the 71st Penn- 
sylvania], and the now famous clump of trees, with Cushing's 
Battery A, 4th United States, to the left of Arnold, and around 



404 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

these guns and on this very front the high tide of rebellion 
surged and ebbed away, and here for all time is the millennium 
of the glory of the American soldier on Alexander Hays' front 
as well as Gibbon's. 

General Hays finds opportunity to write on the 30th of 
June. That day was the bi-monthly muster for pay and all 
the troops were mustered as though there was no enemy 
within a thousand miles. Most probably the general embraced 
this favorable moment. He does not write again until the 
4th. 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Uniontown, Carroll County, Md., 
June 30, 1863. 
"My Dear Wife: 

"I write only to give you information of my present where- 
abouts, as I had no opportunity since I left Centreville to 
do so. 

"I was ordered forward to Green Springs, where General 
Abercrombie left us. I was placed in command of the Third 
Division, Second Corps. 

"I have three brigades as large as my own. The division 
is known as 'The Trefoils.' 

"My command is designated by blue. My old brigade 
sports the blue and is in command of Willard. 

"We have a promise of a fight. My command will do its 
duty. 

"I have been in the saddle for the past twenty-four hours. 
I need not tell you that I am much fatigued. 

"We marched thirty miles yesterday. The army is much 
pleased with the new commander. 

"My love to all. God bless you and the dear little ones. 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDENi 

"On Battlefield, Near Gettysburg, Pa., 
"July 4th, 1863. 
"Dear Sir: 

"Yesterday was a warm one for us. The fight of my divi- 
sion was a perfect success. Corts, Shields and myself were 
untouched. 'Dan' was killed and 'Leet' severely wounded. 
Corts and Shields each lost a horse. 

"We are all sanguine of ridding our soil of the invaders. 

"Yours, 

"Alex." 

1 Note the general's first mention of the great fight [to his 
father-in-law] is modest in tone. No spotlight or braggadocia. 



Gettysburg 405 



MRS. HAYS TO HER FATHER, JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Merchants Hotel, Monday Evening, 

July 6th, 1863. 
"My Dear Father: J ^ » ^ 

"I have just returned from Germantown and found a 
letter from Mr. Hays, which relieved my mind very much, as 
I read in this morning's Inquirer that Colonel Willard, of the 
125th New York, was killed. I have been almost crazy since 
I read it, as I saw he had been acting brigadier. 

"General Hancock commands the Second Corps. He is 
wounded, also General Gibbon, of the same corps. It seems 
a little strange that Mr. Hays should command part of a corps 
that two weeks ago he had pointed two of his guns at to make 
them obey. The corps was a fighting one, but was de- 
moralized. 

"My visit to Lavinia^ was delightful, and Alden looks and 
feels better, but as I wrote to Katie yesterday she will tell 
you all about it. I will feel much disappointed if I do not see 
her before she leaves. 

"Tomorrow Alden again sees Dr. Hays. I will write you 
as soon as the visit is over. 

"I must write to Mr. Hays. God bless each and every one 

of you at home. 

Your daughter, 

"Annie." 

"P. S. — Colonel Willard was a major in the regular 

service, had seen many years of service in New Mexico, was 

an elegant looking man, a fine scholar and linguist and a brave 

soldier. Mr. Hays thought much of him. His wife lived in 

Troy, N. Y.^ 

1 Mrs. Lavinia Horstman Patterson, sister of William and 
Sigmund Horstman, of Philadelphia, an intimate friend of Mrs. 
Hays. Alden, the oldest son of General and Mrs. Hays. 

2 Colonel George L. Willard — Colonel George Lamb Willard 
was born in New York City in 1827. He had served through the 
Mexican War in the Ohio regiment of Colonel George Morgan, and 
for gallantry at Chapultepec was, on recommendation of General 
Scott, promoted from sergeant to brevet second lieutenant in the 
8th United States Infantry. He remained in the regular army, 
obtaining the rank of captain September 27, 1861, and serving 
with the 8th through the Peninsula campaign, and February 10, 
1862, was made major of the 19th United States Infantry. Early 
in 1861 Captain Willard had recruited the 2nd New York Volun- 
teers, a Troy regiment, but was not permitted by the War De- 
partment to retain the command, the 2nd going to the front under 
the command of Colonel Joseph B. Carr. In 1862 the War De- 
partment justly permitted Colonel Willard to assume command 
of the 125th Regiment, which he had recruited at Troy in the 
summer of 1862, his commission bearing date of August 15, 1862. 
He was buried at Troy, and at his funeral was an immense con- 
course of public officials and patriotic citizens, and the funeral was 
held with appropriate military honors. According to General C. M. 
Wilcox, Colonel Willard served in the 15th United States Infantry 



406 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Alexander Hays, it will be remembered, was a lieu- 
tenant in the Eighth Infantry. 

When Colonel Willard fell terribly mangled by a shell, 
which struck him in the face, it was a soldier who had served 
in the Eighth, Joshua Wiseman, who carried his dead colonel 
from the field, at the time his faithful orderly in the 125th 
New York Regiment, 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Taneytown, Md., July 7, 1863. 
"My Dear Wife: 

"I have written several times since the eventful 3rd to 
assure you that all was well with us. I mean Corts, Shields 
and myself. Our fight with the Rebels on the 3rd was most 
terrific. 

"I commanded the Third Division of the Second Army 
Corps. Opposed to me were A. P. Hill and George E. Pickett, 
besides several others of my old acquaintances. 

"They thought they were attacking raw militia. After 
cannonading us for an hour they advanced across the plain 
and were met from behind our stone wall by a volley which 
swept them like a tornado. It will not be credited, but we [I 
mean the Third Division] took double our own number of 
prisoners, killed twice our own numbers and took nearly 
three thousand stand of arms. It is called the Decisive Battle 
of Gettysburg. 

"I am untouched, as are also Corts and Shields, which is 
miraculous, although we all lost our horses. 'Dave' Shields 
had the shoulder of his coat blown ofT by a shell. 'Dan' was 
killed by a cannon ball through the heart just after I had 
exchanged him for 'Leet.' 'Leet' was shot severely in the 
breast — three balls. One has been extracted and will be sent 
to 'Leet' Shields.^ Out of twenty mounted orderlies I have 
but five or six left. 

"Of your acquaintances I have lost all my colonels, lieu- 
tenant colonels commanding brigades and lieutenants com- 
manding regiments. 

"The battle cannot be described except as the most 
terrible fought between men. 

"My division has taken twenty banners,- or battle flags, 

in Mexico and was promoted to a lieutenancy for gallantry at 
Chapultepec. He was major of the 19th United States Infantry as 
well as colonel of the 125th New York when he fell. Young says he 
was a commander of gifts and princely presence greatly beloved. 
"Battle of Gettysburg," Jesse Bowman Young, P. 395. 

1 Whose family had presented General Hays the horse. 

2 Twenty-one actually. 



Gettysburg 407 

more than all the balance of the army, and the Third Division 
is at a high premium. 

"We may meet the enemy again, but they are totally 
demoralized.^ 

"A'ly love to all and God bless you. 

"Alex." 

MRS. HAYS TO HER FATHER 

"Merchants Hotel, Philadelphia, Pa., 
"Dear Father: Tuesday Morning, July 7th. 

"Dr. Hays thinks Alden much improved in sight, health 
and looks, and will not remove his eye at present, as, he says, 
when Alden grows up, he can have a glass eye inserted that 
will much improve his appearance, and by placing it over the 
part^of the eye now remaining it will move very naturally. 

"If Alden continues to improve I hope to leave for home 
some time next week. 

"I see by this morning's papers that the Second Army 
Corps lost sixteen hundred men in the battles last week 

"I received a letter from Major Brayell, paymaster. He 
tells me Lieut. Kennedy was captured by the Rebels while on 
his way to the brigade. After keeping him a few days he 
was paroled, 

"I felt very anxious, as Kennedy had Mr. Hays' pay for 
this month and a number of articles he needed. Of course 
the Rebels would be glad to have a supply of greenbacks I 
have not heard the particulars. I only know he was released.^ 

"I sent home on Friday a draft for one hundred dollars 
to be given to James on my account. Did it arrive? 

"Alden sends his grandma his marks for lessons and con- 
duct while in the asylum. He is now printing some poetry. 
He sends much love, and hopes that Aunt Katie will not leave 
until we come home. 

"Tomorrow is Mr. Hays' birthday ; the next day Gilbert's. 

"My love to all. .y^^^^^ 

"Annie." 
MRS. HAYS TO HER SISTER, RACHEL McFADDEN 

"Merchants Hotel, Philadelphia, 
Thursday Morning, July 8th, 1863. 
My Dear Rachel: 

"I have just changed my room for a large, airy one, with 
a piano in it, and Alden is busy practicing. He is going to 

1 In the light of subsequent events this demoralization seems 
to have been a very calm one. 

w..^^I'*?"*;.^®^°^*^^'^°^°°^5' ^"<^ General Hays' pay and dress-coat 
were duly confiscated" by the enemy and as a matter of course 
never recovered. General Hays in a subsequent letter speaks of 
General "Jeb" Stuart wearing his coat. 



408 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

make a good performer and is very fond of it. He still im- 
proves in health and his eyes are less painful.^ 

"It is six weeks since I left home, but it appears much 
longer, as in the last two weeks I have had so much to bear 
and now I am afraid to look at a paper. We have lost so many 
friends in the last few days, and I think the hardest fight is 
yet to take place, though the officers say that the fighting 
was terrific. General Meade has surprised me, as I had no 
idea there was so much dash in him. I believe him to be a 
good man and a modest one. I hope now to see the two stars 
upon Alex's shoulders. 

"I called on Mrs. Maylon yesterday. She intends going to 
Pittsburgh in a few days ; do call on her, as she has been so 
kind to me. What a good woman she is. 

"I then drove to Mrs. Hepburn's^ and found Mrs. H. and 
Nina at home. They appeared glad to see me and invited 
me to stay for dinner. I declined, as Lavinia Patterson was 
coming to dine with me. Nina says you never answered her 
letter and she wishes much to hear from you. They are all 
much concerned about Jim and send much love to mother, 
father and yourself. 

"I have not been to Sterling's, as I saw Robert on the 
street, so I concluded Lizzie and children were home, and 
Alden does not like to go among strangers. 

Mrs. McKibben is just too kind. She says she cannot 
do too much for dear Alden, but our friends have done all in 
their power to comfort me, for, indeed, I have need of it. I 
never passed two more gloomy weeks, for I felt when I looked 
at Alden that he would soon be blind forever, but thanks that 
the means used by Dr. Hays have been successful, every dav 
I see a change. But my head says good-bye. 

'Tf we do not go to Lavinia's tomorrow I will write to 
'Mag,'^ though she never answered one I wrote to her. 

"Tell me exactly how James* is. Many thanks, my dear 
Rachel, for your kindness to my dear liltle ones. 

"Your sister, 

"Annie. 
"P. S.— Alden sends love to all." 

1 Alden, although totally blind, is an accomplished musician. 

2 Mrs. Hepburn, wife of Judge Hopewell Hepburn, at one time 
on the Allegheny county bench, living at 102 Penn avenue, next to the 
McFaddens, later removing to Philadelphia. Nina was a daughter. 
Lavinia Patterson, a sister of the Horstman brothers. 

3 "Mag," a sister, Mrs. George W. Murphy. 

4 James B. McFadden, Mrs. Hays' brother. 



Gettysburg 409 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 
"Dear Wife : "Keedysville, Md., July nth, 1863. 

"I have written several notes, as opportunity offered in- 
forming you of my safety and good health. 

"Yesterday we passed the battlefield of Antietam and are 
now marchmg to meet the enemy again. I believe we have 
nim surrounded, without chance of escape. 

"My division is the fighting kind I love. My loss at 
Gettysburg! was nearly 1,200 in it alone, which shows that 
the struggle was desperate. 

'1 sent 'Leet' severely wounded, three shots in his breast 
to a Dr. Weaver in Gettysburg. I will leave him there until 
1 can send for him well, or will give notice to send him home 
if I cannot reach him. 

"I never was in better health or more sanguine spirits 
Gorts and Shields are in the same condition. 

"Love to all and God bless you all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Near Jones Cross Roads, Md., 

"Dear Sir: ^''^^ '^'^' '^^^• 

"The 'Cross Roads' are six miles and equi-distant from 

irlagerstown, Wilhamsport and Boones Borough. 

"My division is formed along the heights near the Hagers- 

town road It forms one of the links of the Anaconda, which 

holds Lee s army in its coils. 

"When I took command of it [the Third Division] onlv 

two weeks ago it was considered large. Since then, howevef 

It has become more respectable, although its numbers have 

diminished. In the battles of Gettysburg I lost 1,262 men. 

^u' ^^?^^^J' ^^" ^°""^ ^""^ °^ ^^^e ^"emy to one of ours. 
Ifie killed of the enemy alone outnumbers my whole division 
two to one. The arms we captured will give us three guns 
to each man. Our prisoners also outnumber us two to one 
I have sent forward to headquarters seventeen^ of the enemy's 
standards, and know of at least five others which were sur- 
reptiously disposed of. Such a capture of flags was never 
known before. 

lac 'Official casualties: Carroll's Brigade— Killed, 38; wounded, 
166; missing, 7. Total. 211. Smyth's Brigade— Killed. 61: 
wounded, 279; missing, 26. Total, 366. Willard's Brigade— Killed 
139; wounded. 542; missing. 33. Total. 714. Grand total— Killed 
238; wounded, 987; missing, 66. Total. 1.291. 

Webb^^* official receipt for fifteen; six were donated to General 



410 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"Until after the battle there was but one Hays in com- 
mand, so there can be no doubt of his identity. I claim all 
due to the name and can prove it by evidence of an army corps. 

"The Second Corps justly claim the honor of the repulse 
of the enemy, and it is conceded that the Third Division 
[Hays'], Second Army Corps, fought the decisive action — 
killed, wounded, prisoners and banners speak convincingly of 
our claims. I have written of the loss of my horses. Noble 
old 'Dan' died a soldier's death. A solid shot passed through 
his heart just after I had dismounted from him, and he died 
without a struggle. He lies in an honored grave dug by Henry 
and the other servants. 'Leet' was soon afterwards shot in 
the breast with three balls and totally disabled. He is now 
in a hospital in Gettysburg under care of Dr. V. Weaver. My 
third horse was one of 'Uncle Sam's' and of little account. 
Corts' horse as well as Shields' was killed. I had about fifteen 
mounted orderlies when the battle began, at the end only two. 
One of them lost his horse and the other — my standard bearer 
— had his flagstaflf cut in two. The shoulder of Shields' coat 
was blown away. Corts had his knuckles skinned. I escaped 
totally unscathed, although all expected to see me go under. 
Once in the forenoon my pickets [the Garibaldi Guards],^ who 
were posted near a barn half a mile from my front, were re- 
pulsed by the Rebel sharpshooters and retreated in disorder. 

" 'Dan' was then living and on him I dashed over the 
plain, followed by my standard-bearer [who is a reckless, 
devil-may-care Irishman]. ^ We rallied the runaways, put them 
in position again, retaking the barn. This was in full view of 
both lines and fair range of the enemy's bullets. Our line 
held their breaths in suspense, and I have since been told by 
several generals that they expected to see me blown up each 
minute. The enemy appeared to have been surprised, for not 
a gun of theirs opened until my mission had been fulfilled and 
I had nearly reached our lines, when all the rebel batteries 
opened upon me and showered shot and shell around. Just as 
I entered our lines Colonel 'Dick' Coulter^ came to congratu- 
late me when a shell struck a tree between us, glanced off and 
killed several of our men who had been drawn from behind 
their defenses from curiosity. 

"My defenses were stone walls, and since Jackson is dead 
I think I have a claim to his title. 

"Already there is shown a disposition to rob me of my 
right, but it can't be done. You have heard that all the 
colonels of my old brigade were lost, two killed and two 

1 The 39 th New York Volunteers. 

2 Corporal Carroll, 5th New York Cavalry. 

3 Richard Coulter, colonel of the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
of Baxter's Second Brigade, of Robinson's Second Division, First 
Corps. 



Gettysburg 411 

severely wounded. 'Harper's Ferry Boys' have wiped out 
Harper s Ferry. 

"We are watching intently for our prey, though the haul 
7xTuu^^ ^^ °.^ sucking doves.' Sykes is on my right and 
Webb s Division^ on my left. Last night I had two points 
tortihed which will give us a cross-fire on any advance We 
are very sanguine but cautious. Yesterday it rained torrents 
and today gives promise of more, which will keep up the 
Jrotomac. 

"You understand this is to be a strictly private letter, not 
to be bounded literally. Tell Shields' and Corts' friends that 
both stand high in the army. 

"I must not be found fault with for failing to write for I 
have neither time nor opportunity. I am in better health and 
spirits than usual, but much jaded and have lost flesh 

]]Love to all, and by all, you know whom I mean 
If anything occurs I will write or others will. Kennedy 
is a prisoner. ^^ ■'^ 

"Yours, 

"Alex." 
OFFICIAL REPORT. 
BRIGADIER GENERAL ALEX HAYS, THIRD DIVISION 
SECOND CORPS. 

"Headquarters Third Division, 2nd A. C , 

"Lieut. Colonel C. H. Morgan, ^"'^ ^'^' ^^^^- " 

"Chief of Staff: 

..V ''^u~:h^^7-^-^^^ ^?°"°'" ^"^ '■^PO^^' through you, the part 
taken by this division in the late battle of Gettysburg 

On the 2nd day of July the division, moving" on the 
laneytown road, arrived within about one mile of the town 
where It was assigned a position on a ridge, nearly parallel 
with the road, facing eastward. A stone wall just below the 
crest of the hill gave much strength to the position, and an 
open space of half a mile on our front afforded the artillery 
posted on the right and left flanks a fair field for effective 
service. 

"A strong line of skirmishers were thrown forward to our 
front, and during the day contended successfully with the 
enemy. -^ 

"Twice, at least, soldiers were sent from our position by 
the I2th New Jersey, ist Delaware and 14th Connecticut 
Regiments against a barn and house^ one-fourth of a mile in 
advance of our position, returning in each case successfully 
with prisoners. 

1 Webb's Division, the Second of the Second Corps. General 
iriDDon, absent, wounded. 

2 The Bliss buildings. 



412 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"Colonel Willard, of the 125th New York Volunteers, 
commanding the Third Brigade, was early in the day with- 
drawn from the division by the major general commanding, 
and took a prominent part in the engagement on our left. 

"The history of the brigade's operations is written in 
blood. Colonel Willard was killed, and next day, after the 
brigade had rejoined the division, his successor, Colonel 
Eliakim Sherrill, 126th New York Volunteers, also fell. 
Colonel Dougald MacDougall, iiith New York Volunteers, 
and Major Hugo Hildebrandt, 39th New York Volunteers, 
were each severely wounded, leaving the brigade in command 
of a lieutenant colonel.^ 

"The loss of this brigade amounted to one-half of the 
casualties in the division. 

"The acts of traitors at Harper's Ferry had not stained 
their patriotism. 

"The operations of the First Brigade, commanded by 
Colonel S. S. Carroll, are fully set forth in his own accompany- 
ing report, and too much credit cannot be given him and his 
command for the gallant manner in which they went to the 
relief of the troops on our right. The darkness of night was 
no obstacle, and I have no doubt their timely arrival and 
merits will be acknowledged by the general commanding in 
that part of the field. ^ 

"The Second Brigade, Colonel Thomas A. Smyth, ist 
Delaware, remained continuously in protection of our front 
along the stone wall and in support of our line of skirmishers. 

"Throughout the 2nd the enemy kept up a desultory fire 
from their artillery posted in the skirts of the distant timber, 
frequently shifting their batteries and opening suddenly on 
our lines, but were silenced or driven off by the efifective fire 
of our artillery. 

"The ensuing night passed in comparative quietness, our 
men resting on their arms. The daylight of the 3rd was a 
signal for renewed hostilities, and during the forenoon was a 
repetition of the practice of the preceding day, except that 
their skirmishers appeared more pretentious in their assault. 
About II o'clock A. M. an entire lull occurred, which was 
continued until nearly 2 o'clock P. M. 

"Anticipating the movement of the enemy I caused the 
house and barn^ on our front, which interrupted the fire of 
our artillery, to be burned. At the hour last named they 
opened upon our front and the most terrific and uninterrupted 
fire came from their artillery. I cannot believe there was less 
than eighty pieces bearing on us within good range.* 

1 James M. Bull, 126th New York. 

2 General Howard. 

3 The Bliss buildings. 

* See General MacDougall's letter, this chapter. 



Gettysburg 413 

"It was continued uninterruptedly until 4 130 o'clock P. M., 
when a heavy column of the enemy formed in three lines] 
preceded by a strong line of skirmishers debouched from the 
wood opposite our lines. 

"Their march was as steady as if impelled by machinery, 
unbroken by our artillery, which played upon them a storm 
of missiles. When within a hundred yards of our line of 
infantry the fire of our men could be no longer restrained; 
our lines arose from behind the stone wall, and before the 
smoke of our first volley had cleared away the enemy, in 
dismay and consternation, were risking safety in flight; 
many attempts to rally them by their officers were in vain! 
In less time than I can account they were throwing away 
their arms and appealing most piteously for mercy. 

"The angel of death alone can produce such a field as was 
presented. The division captured and turned into corps head- 
quarters fifteen battle flags^ or banners. A number of other 
flags were captured, but have been surreptitiously disposed of 
m the subsequent excitement of battle before they could be 
collected. 

"I transmit the report of Lieut. W. E. Potter, showing a 
collection by him of 2,500 stands of arms, besides an estimate 
of 1,000 left on the field for want of time to collect them. 
From my own personal examination of the field I am satisfied 
the number estimated is not too great. 

"Of the prisoners which fell into our hands I regret that 
an accurate account could not be kept, but by estimate they 
cannot be less than 1,500. Colonel Smyth, commanding the 
Second Brigade, was severely wounded in the head and face 
by a shell, which did not, however, prevent him from return- 
ing to duty the next day. 

"I commend to the notice of the general commanding and 
the War Department the gallant conduct of my commanders, 
of brigades and regiments, trusting that they, in turn, will 
not be forgetful of meritorious subordinates. 

"Where all behave exceptionally it is difficult to discrim- 
mate. The coolness and determination evinced by our officers 
and men, which reflect back credit on their former com- 
mander. 

"I cannot omit the high recommendations of credit which 
IS due Dr. Isaac Scott, medical director of the division, and 
all his assistants. No case of neglect or evasion of their 
duties has come to my notice, 

"Lieut. John S. Sullivan, in charge of the Ambulance 
Corps, deserves the highest credit for his courage and the fear- 
less manner he discharged his duties, continually under the 
fire of the enemy's skirmishers, bringing ofif the wounded and 
assisting in keeping up the stragglers. 

1 Original receipts in possession of General Hays' family. 



414 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"Lieut. W. E. Potter, ordnance officer, was indefatigable 
in the discharge of his duties. 

"Captain George P. Corts, assistant adjutant general, and 
my A. D. C, Lieut. David Shields, 63rd Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers, were constantly by my side, exhibiting, as always here- 
tofore, self-possession and courage of the highest order. 
Captain Corts lost two horses killed and Lieut. Shields one. 

"Division Quartermaster Captain Ludington and Commis- 
sary Officer Captain Queen discharged their duties to my 
entire satisfaction and deserve the notice of their respective 
departments. 

"2nd Lieut. E. J. Huston, iiith New York Volunteers, 
attracted my attention by his exemplary conduct in charge 
of posting and encouraging our pickets, and as a present rec- 
ognition I have appointed him an aid on my staff. 

"By accompanying report the entire loss of the division 
in the two days' action will be seen to be 1,285 men killed, 
wounded and missing. 

"I am, very respectfully, 

"Your obedient servant, 

"[Signed] Alex Hays, 
"Brigadier General of Volunteers." 

SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT— THIRD DIVISION. 

"Headquarters Third Division, Second Corps, 

August 15th, 1863. 
"Captain E. P. Brownson, 

"A. D. C. & A. A. A. G. : 

"In compliance with orders I have the honor to submit a 
supplement to my report of the part taken by this division in 
the operations prior to and following the battle of Gettysburg, 
Pa. 

"On the 28th of June, 1863, broke camp near Barnsville, 
Md.; marched to vicinity of Frederick City, Md. ; 29th 
marched at i o'clock P. M. through Liberty. Johnsville, L'nion 
Bridge to Uniontown, Md., distance over thirty miles ; camped 
at 3 o'clock A. M., 30th June ; same day changed camp to 
north side of Uniontown. 

"July I marched through Taneytown, Md., to within about 
three miles of Gettysburg, Pa. ; July 2nd moved to Gett3's- 
burg and to position in line of battle. For operations of July 
2nd, 3rd and 4th I respectfully refer you to copy of my official 
report for those days herewith enclosed. 

"July 5th moved from vicinity of Gettysburg, Pa., to Two 
Taverns, remaining in camp at latter place on the 6th. 

"July 7th, 8th, 9th and loth marched to near Frederick 
City, Md. ; July nth marched to Jones' Cross Roads and went 
into line of battle ; towards evening received orders from the 
general commanding corps directing the sending of the First 



Gettysburg 415 

Brigade [Colonel S. S Carroll commanding] on reconnoisance 
towards Funktown, Md. This brigade encountered the 
enemy s pickets about three miles from Jones' Cross Roads 
bonie skirmishing ensued, without loss on our side save the 
slight wounding of one man. The enemy returned to the 
cover of its earthworks. 

, '^"""l,*)'^ T^^^ ^^^ remainder of the division [Second 
and Third Brigades] were ordered forward to support the 
first formed line of battle, and on the following day [i2thl 
changed position twice during the night, threw up earthworks 
the ine connecting on the right with the Fifth Corps and on 
the left with the Second Division of the Second Corps. Tulv 
13th moved forward about half a mile; again formed line of 
battle, supported on the flanks by same troops as the previous 
day; employed durmg the afternoon and evening entrenching 
our line; some picket firing without any loss to my command- 
July 14th advanced towards Williamsport, Md • Tuly icth 
marched from Williamsport via Sharpsburg to Sandy Hook, 
; July i8th crossed the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers 
marched to near Hillsboro. Va., and camped; July igth 
marched to Wood Grove, Va. ; July 20th marched to Bloom- 
held, Va., and encamped until 22nd, when the march was re- 
sumed to Ashby's Gap; July 23rd marched to Markham's 
Station on the Manassas Gap Railroad ; same evening with 
the corps, moved to the support of the Third Corps, which 
was engaged with the enemy on Wapping Heights; took posi- 
tion behind Third Corps; July 24th returned to Markham's 
btationj July 25th marched to White Plains, Va. ; Tuly 26th 
resumed the march, arriving near Warrenton Junction same 
day, when we^ encamped July 27th, 28th and 29th. 
"Respectfully submitted, 

"[Signed] Alex Hays, 
"Brigadier General Volunteers, 

"Commander Division. 

General Hays is particular to mention each one of his 
staflf and certainly most worthily. Lieut. Sullivan came under 
the observation of other eyes than the ever-vigilant Alex 
Hays, as the following extract from a well-known book amply 
attests : -^ 

. ''And it is not the combatants alone that improve oppor- 
tunities for displaying courage. You may have seen many 
incidents narrated of surgeons and of chaplains' coolness and 
bravery. Be it for me to speak of these qualities in the 
ambulance corps. Where men are killed and wounded there 
must go the officers of the ambulance brigade and the stretcher 
carriers to bring the poor fellows ofif the field. And many a 
time did I see the stretcher-bearers fired upon and wounded 



416 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



while bearing away the wounded ; even, in some instances, 
the wounded rebels. But they did not desist from their 
humane work ; and many a time did I watch anxiously, fear- 
ing any moment to see him fall, our ambulance lieutenant, 
Sullivan, of the 14th Indiana [you see we of the States are 
mixed up together, brothers in the good cause], as he coolly 
rode all over the field, sometimes in the thickest of the firing, 
and away to the front even of our pickets, on his errand of 
mercy, not satisfied to leave a single sufifering man uncared 
for on the bloody field, and having his black horse at last shot 
under him, besides many hair-breadth escapes. All honor to 
such noble fellows wherever they are ! I am proud to be the 
feeble chronicler of such incidents ; proud to have opportunity 
to mingle with them as comrades, to grasp their hands in 
true fraternal friendship, and ever to count them, in all after 
life, as those who have been tried and not found wanting in 
times of need. They are rare and precious fiowers growing 
out of the blood-drenched soil of war."^ 

Until the Battle of Gettysburg General Hays and Sullivan 
had never met, and this is Lieut. Sullivan's story of their first 
meeting: 

"Shortly after the close of the Longstreet repulse [also 
called Pickett's charge] I was ordered to report to General 
Hays' headquarters, much to my surprise. Upon presenting 
myself at the general's tent I was promptly ushered in and, 
saluting, faced that officer, who said in a kindly way : 

" 'Well, young man, I see you did your duty.' 

" 'Yes, general, I try to obey orders.' 

" 'You will report to me again tomorrow morning,' and 
the brief interview closed. 

"Promptly the next morning I reported, when the general 
said: 

" 'Lieut. Sullivan, I have appointed you on my staff, your 
duties to begin forthwith.' 

"From that day until his death in the Wilderness I was 
constantly with General Hays, being within arms' length when 
he was struck and was the last person to speak with him on 
earth." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Near Woodgrove, Va., 

"Dear Wife: "J"^^' ^^63- 

"I write this morning as best I can. Our paper is damp 
and I am almost blind. Otherwise my health is good. Corts 
and 'Dave' are both well. It would amuse you to see us on 
march, mounted upon government horses. Mine is a big, 

1 "Dunn Browne in the Army," Page 218. 



Gettysburg 417 

slab-sided racker and falls down every quarter of a mile. The 
boys enjoy the old horse and I can endure him. 

"My stafif are numerous but unknown to you, excepting 
Corts and Shields. I will write whenever I have opportunity. 
I have received but two letters from you since you left Cen- 
treville. Again we are moving. God bless you and our chil- 
dren. Love to all and tell mother her prayers have and will 
be heard. 

"You ask me for trophies, as all other officers send them. 
I could send you a wagon load, but I have no time to collect 
them. I have for our children the end of my banner stafif,^ 
shot off at Gettysburg. Won't that satisfy you? 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Near Jones' Four Corners, Md., 

"Dear Wife: "J"'^ '^th, 1863. 

"I have written a long letter to your father. I had an 
opportunity to send it forward, but have not time to write to 
you. Since I have found an opportunity to send one to you, 
but it will, or rather must, be brief. 

"Your father will give you many details of Gettysburg, 
but one tithe of what you will learn. Everybody wants glory, 
and to obtain it cheat honest men out of their rights. I send 
you a clipping from the 'Tribune' of July 6th. I was the only 
one of the name in the fight of the 3rd, and there is no mis- 
take of who is who. 

"We were amused with letters from home to 'Dave.' 
'Glad we were not in the fight !' 

"I must send this, as Colonel CarrolP must leave. Love 
to all and God bless, as He has protected me. 

"I will write when I can. Only one letter from you since 
July 6th. Kennedy was captured with two of our men. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Near Williamsport, Md., 
"Dear Wife: J"'^ '4, 1863. 

"I wrote yesterday and to your father, but have an oppor- 
tunity again today. 

"For several days we have been advancing upon the 
enemy [as we supposed]. Each night I have entrenched my 
division and moved next day to an advanced position, en- 
trenching again. 

1 Now in possession of Alden F. Hays, Sewickley, Pa. 

2 Colonel S. S. Carroll, Sth Ohio, commanding First Brigade. 



418 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"To our mortification we this morning hear that Lee has 
escaped across the Potomac. But I suppose we will follow 
him and have a long, 'stern chase' to Richmond. 

"Yon know of my fearful loss at Gettysburg — Willard, 
Sherrill, MacDougall and Hildebrandt;^ 1,262 men, over one- 
fourth of my command. A kind Providence spared me, al- 
though I never was so hotly shelled and shotted. The only 
one of my name in the battle was myself, so that any credit 
to the name is yours alone. 

"The enemy have fled and we are ordered to pursue. 
Yesterday the quartermaster furnished me a middling good 
horse, and I feel mounted again, although poorly. 

"Corts and 'Dave' are well. Love to all, to everybody 
and Rebecca Shields. I send you two bloody tokens of the 
battle. Write as usual — Third Division, Second Army Corps. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Still Near Harper's Ferry, Md., 
"Dear Sir: July i8th, 1863. 

"In haste, while we are striking camp, I thought I would 
drop you a note. It may be necessary or it may be constitu- 
tional, but I always am obliged to see things done. I have 
the best boys in the world about me, but we old fellows think 
we can do things so much better. 

"After three days of 'inglorious ease' and mortification at 
the escape of Lee we this morning 'hang our harps on the 
willow trees' and are off to the war again in Virginia, which 
ought to have been settled in Pennsylvania. We are tired of 
scientific leaders and regard strategy as it is called — a humbug. 
Next thing to cowardice. What we want is a leader who will 
go ahead. 

"Aly division, 'The Blue Birds,' are in the rear today, as 
we led the advance on the last march ; this gives me this 
opportunity to write. The other divisions are filing out and 
I must cease. 

"As the newspapers are making use of my patronymic 
miscellaneously, I wish to inform my friends and the public 
generally that no other individual of my name was engaged 
in the battle of Gettysburg. In the army but one is recog- 
nized, and by the wise Providence of God I have been spared 
to see that the credit shall not be wrested from my children. 
I have not yet been able to make out my official report. ^ 

1 Colonel MacDougall and Major Hildebrandt were wounded. 

2 General Hays means on the Union side. There was a Confed- 
erate General Hays. Brigadier General William Hays was in com- 
mand of the Second Corps from July 3rd until September 13th, 1863, 
but was not in the battle, having been captured at Chancellorsville 
and held a prisoner until late in June. 



Gettysburg 419 



"As soon as possible I will furnish you copies. I never 
in my thoughts dwell upon the thirty minutes of carnage I 
witnessed. There is no mistake as to whose command de- 
cided the Battle of Gettysburg. It was 'The Blue Birds,' 
whose badge is the 'Shamrock,'^ worn by my forefathers in 
primitive days, and my banner is borne by a true son of the 
Emerald Isle, who don't fear the devil [if I am leading]. 

"Love to all and regards to friends. Corts and Shields 
are well. No more, as my column is passing and I must go to 
Virginia. I have a letter from Annie yesterday. 

"Yours, ever, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"July 21, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: _ J ^ > ■:> 

"We are lying idle today, I suppose to give the 'Rebs' a 
fair start. I am glad of it on my own account, for I have been 
quite sick. Yesterday I ate quite a large quantity of black- 
berries and the consequences were an entire suspension of 
my digestive machinery, and you know the results of that. 

"I am taking medicine, and when I get through I will be 
as well as ever. I am much relieved already, otherwise I could 
not write to you. 

"Almost daily, and always, when I find an opportunity I 
write to you. It is long since [or it appears so] that I have 
had a letter from home. Yours from Philadelphia and Miss 
Bateman's were very acceptable. Corts thinks so, too. The 
present occasion is due to the leave of Colonel Crandell, who 
goes to see his dying wife, leaving but two lieutenant colonels^ 
in my old brigade. I assigned Colonel Coons, of the 14th 
Indiana, to command the brigade. Its loss has been one-half 
of all. 

"We are disgusted, and I hope no friend of mine will 
mistake me for the Hays^ who voted against attacking Lee. I 
really believe I could have whipped him with my own divi- 
sion. 

"After a short time I hope to be able to ask for a leave 
to see you. My heart yearns for home, but who would own 
a home until we can do so honorably? 

"God bless you all. I will write as often as I can. Love 
all around, I have plenty of that. No more. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

1 The blue trefoil. Corporal Carroll. 

2 Colonels Levin Crandell, 125th New York, and John Coons, 
14th Indiana. 

3 Brigadier General William Hays, who took command of the 
Second Corps after Hancock was wounded. 



420 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

The following letter from Meade to Halleck in reference 
to an attack on Lee at Williamsport is pertinent here: 

"Unofficial. 

"Headquarters A. P. 140, 
July 31, 1863. 
"Had I attacked Lee the day I proposed to do so, and in 
the ignorance that then existed of his position, I have every 
reason to believe that the attack would have been unsuccess- 
ful and would have resulted disastrously. This opinion is 
founded on the judgment of numerous distinguished officers 
after inspecting Lee's vacated works and position. Among 
these officers I could name Generals SedgAvick, Wright, 
Slocum, Hays, Sykes and others." 

The index in General Meade's book^ in reference to this 
statement names General Alexander Hays; it should be 
General William Hays, then in command of the Second Corps. 
General Alexander Hays was in favor of an attack. He says 
so in plain enough words. 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Warrenton Junction, Va,, July 27th, 1863. 
"Dear Mother: 

"Yesterday, 'the blessed Sabbath,' we completed a most 
tiresome march and have been today resting and recruiting 
our men. 

"I was so much fatigued myself that my good intentions 
of writing to you this morning were frustrated by sleep and 
attention to duties which I could not avoid. I do not write 
often to you, but, dear mother, you know that 'still water runs 
deepest.' Besides, that exacting wife of mine expects all 
letters to be addressed to her — a selfishness which can only 
be attributed to your neglect of her early education. 

"Yesterday was a short march to me, for I received mail 
at Warrenton. Letters and papers of all dates, but all from 
home. Today I had another mail of older date, but very ac- 
ceptable. It will require more time than I can spare to bring 
up my two mails' correspondence. I will, however, from day 
to day, give each one notice, and maybe I can finish before 
'this cruel war is over.' 

"You have heard so much of Gettysburg that, as myself, 
you desire to hear no more. I would have been most highly 
gratified if 'Dick' Dale- had joined us there, for, to tell the 

1 "Life and Letters of General George G. Meade," Vol. II., P. 140. 

2 Richard C. Dale, of Allegheny, afterwards lieutenant colonel 
of the 116th Pennsylvania, missing in action at Spottsylvania May 
12, 1864; a most gallant and efficient officer and a friend of General 
Hays; a son of Mrs. John B. McFadden's sister, Mrs. Josephine Dale, 
of Allegheny, wife of Dr. Thomas F. Dale. 



Gettysburg 421 



truth, I am sorely pressed for aids, although the two I have 
bear themselves most gallantly, performing the work of ten. 
Only that Providence protected us I cannot account for our 
escape. Women may lecture on 'The Horrors of War,' but 
such a scene of carnage I never imagined. Carnage himself 
[if an artist] could not paint the picture. Dead horses, shat- 
tered carriages, dead and dying men, in all the last agonies of 
death for two full hours, would have paralyzed anyone not 
trained to the 'butcher trade.' I was fighting for my native 
state, and before I went in thought of those at home I so 
dearly love. If Gettysburg was lost all was lost for them, and 
I only interposed a life that would be otherwise worthless. 
But if we suffered the poor Rebels suffered terribly tenfold. 

"The night following the battle of the 3rd I rode out, and 
over the battlefield at 2 o'clock A. M. I could scarcely find 
passage for my horse, for the dead and wounded. In one road 
it was impassable until I had them removed. The shrieks of 
anguish and prayers for relief were heartrending. 

"I only feel that this is a trial, not a judgment, upon our 
nation, and that we will come out of it as 'refined gold,' and 
that my children will be enabled to sing — 

" 'Columbia, Columbia, to Glory Arise, 
The Queen of the World, and the Child of the Skies.' 

"I enclose a correspondence from a 'high private'^ from 
my command. The writer I do not know [scarcely] from a 
'side of sole leather,' but 'straws show which way the wind 
blows.' 

"I had a letter today from Agnes,- which I will send back 
for correction, although its contents were very acceptable. 

"Alden has made a request for some trophy from the 
battle for himself. I will send him, as soon as I have oppor- 
tunity, the end of my banner staff, shot off at Gettysburg. It 
was cut close beside me and he need not be ashamed of the 
trefoil which it bore. I will also send to each baby the badge 
of my division, although they can have it by plucking the 
clover and developing the leaves. Those are green, but ours 
are blue; each man wears one upon his hat or cap, and I call 
them our 'Big Blue Birds.' 

"God does bless you, mother. Give my love to Aunts 
Josephine and Elizabeth^ and to all my kind, dear friends. 
Your united prayers have been answered, and with them I 
will live to see my country triumphant over all disaster and 
able to compete with any foreign enemy. 

"Your son, 

"Alex." 

1 108th New York correspondence. 

2 Agnes and Alden — eldest daughter and son of General Hays. 

3 Mrs. Josephine Dale and Mrs. Elizabeth Gibson, sisters of 
Mrs John B. McFadden. 



422 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

An examination of the list of captured Rebel flags shows 
these flags to have been carried, with one exception, by Heth's 
and Pender's Division, Heth's in the charge, being under the 
command of General Pettigrew. These men were of A. P. 
Hill's Corps and on Pickett's left in the charge. One flag 
belonging to the 38th Virginia of Armistead's Brigade was 
captured by Hays' men, which fell into the hands of the 8th 
Ohio of Carroll's Brigade. 

The list of these flags is most interesting. The original 
receipts are in possession of the Hays family. [See Pages 
467, 468 and 469 for list of captured flags]. 

General Hays could not fail to appreciate so valuable an 
officer as Colonel Sherrill and a brief sketch seems most 
appropriate : 

Eliakim Sherrill was a native of Greene county, New 
York, born in 1813. He had therefore passed the half century 
mark when he fell. He was a man of education and refine- 
ment, and Mrs. Sherrill was a daughter of Judge Eldridge, of 
Madison county. New York. Colonel Sherrill, after residing 
for some years in Herkimer county, removed to Shandaken, 
in Ulster county, where he engaged in the tannery business. 
In 1847 ^"i^ was elected to Congress and in 1854 to the State 
Senate. In i860 he removed to Geneva, N. Y., where he 
was one of the most prosperous and influential citizens when 
the flame of civil war burst upon the land. Governor Morgan 
in 1862 commissioned him to raise a regiment from that 
senatorial district, and he immediately responded to the call, 
saying to his family as had many thousands : "My country 
needs me ; it is my duty to go." Colonel Sherrill was an ef- 
ficient ofiicer and very capable. At Harper's Ferry, with his 
regiment, he kept Kershaw's Confederate Brigade at bay for 
hours on Maryland Heights, and in the fearless but necessary 
exposure on his part Colonel Sherrill fell desperately 
wounded, a musket ball tearing through his lower jaw, smash- 
ing his teeth, cutting his tongue and driving a piece of tooth 
into that tender organ, from which it was afterwards taken 
by an incision from the outside and beneath. 

As soon as he was able to travel Colonel Sherrill was back 
with his boys, joining the regiment at Union Mills December 
10, 1862, but his condition would not permit him to remain. 
The regiment turned out under arms to receive him and 
rousing cheers greeted him. 

This was shortly before General Alexander Hays took 
command of the brigade. Colonel Sherrill could remain but 
three days. He reported for duty again on January 27th, 
even then not fully recovered, and resumed command of his 
regiment, and became one of General Hays' most esteemed 



Gettysburg 423 



his kind treatment of hifn.^ J' endeared him to all, and 

He knew how to br no- o^t ?r li^^"' '^'V' ^^°^ ^"^ pride, 
develop moraT courage aw. kin' "°^ "^"^^'^^"^ °^ "^^" ^"^ 
and could bestow aToweTof" if "^ retam pride of character 
their entire service on Xn.l'°"'"'^"^' ^"^ throughout 

critical, the Sth New YoT V T^ f '"'^ ^^^ ^^>^'"^ °^ 
pended on °'^ Volunteers would be de- 

hospTtal: '""" °'''"'"'' ^^"'^^' "^^^' -"P»-" '"the 

Hays!^c"omma'rldht' h^e Third nf - °^ Gettysburg, General 

Corps, found ht^'^p^po ^'d ^^SeraVA I'm, ^™? 
whom was Pickett anH ntio^,-. r r- ,\J^- ^- Hill, with 

at West Poinfa^,;rcl?a'd^^%ft£rexca:^:;r'°H°'.Th'^d' 

veterans. He haT put firtt S."h'* '^^"^.'•f.H^ys and his 
shelter of a low stone fencf he restrl^Td h'^''",?'' '^ '^''^^' 
until the enemy were at close quarters Th'e '"'' '''' "'" 

HnL^S^rreet^, we,^c.iAc?e"d;tVsent ^heTad^o" 
renfpr at! .^^^S back in confusion upon its rear and 

c:ns™ed^hem"""''' '"'''''"' "'"^ '-<^ ^^ «- -""eaTh' 
Gen:rI,yyT;:jrhera™o™\eTo1s'a^^Xtur^^"#- 

and k,Cat^:; t:;:;re t" r.Vefs Hi cr„r„^ -ci 

IroThiT°"r"', "?-^^"^^ "" had but six left" He had OS 
Heu?enantr. '''• '■'^""^"^Pt ™'°nels commanded brigades 

been'ktiled unde";\" '' ''S^"^"'^- Three of his horse? had 
oeen killed under him; his entire staff was unhorsed Their 



424 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



steeds lay dead where they fell or were in their last agonies. 
His men gathered around their chief to congratulate him. 
Reeking with dust and sweat, and weary with the toil of the 
battle, they received the commendation they so richly de- 
served. How proud they were of their commander ! How 
proud he was of his 'boys !' The general took young 'Dave' 
Shields, his boy lieutenant and aide-de-camp, not then twenty 
years of age, and who could count as many battles, in his 
arms, imprinting a kiss upon his cheek while yet his boyish 
face was aglow with the flush of victory. What youth in the 
land would not be prouder of that kiss of honor from his 
general than a hundred from the lips of the fairest maiden in 
the land? 

A correspondent of a Buffalo newspaper, himself a 
soldier, and who was upon that fatal hill when the battle was 
at its height, beholding the deeds of valor of this brave leader 
and his fearlessness when the very air seemed freighted with 
danger, thus describes him : 

"I wish you could have seen the picture, just at the close 
of last Friday's battle on the left of our center, of which his 
splendid figure formed such a prominent part. Our little 
brigade, which had been lying on Cemetery Hill, was ordered 
over to the position that was so valiantly but unsuccessfully 
charged by Pickett's Rebel Division. We hurried there 
through shot and shell, but only arrived in time to see the 
grand finale, the tableau vivants, and alas! morants, at the 
close of the drama. The enemy's batteries were still playing 
briskly, and their sharpshooters kept up a lively fire, but their 
infantry, slain, wounded and routed, were pouring, as prison- 
ers, into our lines throughout their whole extent. Then enters 
Alexander Hays, brigadier general. United States Volunteers, 
the brave American soldier. Six feet or more in height, erect 
and smiling, lightly holding in hand his horse — the third 
within an hour — a noble animal, his flanks bespattered with 
blood, tied to his streaming tail a Rebel flag that drags igno- 
miniously in the mud, he dashes along our lines, now rush- 
ing out into the open field, a mark for a hundred sharpshoot- 
ers, but never touched, now quietly cantering back to our 
lines to be welcomed with a storm of cheers. I reckon him 
the grandest view of my life. I bar not Niagara. It was the 
arch-spirit of glorious victory triumphing wildly over the 
fallen foe. It was not my good fortune to be personally ac- 
quainted with this General Alexander Hays, but I wish every 
one, as far as I can effect it, to honor him as the bravest of 
soldiers and love him as the best hearted of men. A true 
chevalier he must be, sans Petir et sans refiroche. It seems 
miraculous that General Hays escaped unharmed. His divi- 
sion stood upon the broad open field, joining Webb's Brigade, 



Gettysburg 425 

and only shielded from the death storm which swept its ranks 
by the slight stone wall perched upon the brow of a shelving 
ledge, but which could be no protection to an officer on horse- 
back." 

In the history of the 126th New York this flag incident 
is described :^ 

"At Gettysburg when Longstreet's memorable charge of 
the 3rd of July had been repelled, and the twelve regiments of 
Hays' Division had captured 2,600 prisoners and 21 stands 
of colors, General Hays took a Rebel flag captured by a cap- 
tain of the 126th New York Volunteers, on which was in- 
scribed 'Harper's Ferry,' and the names of ten battles, and 
two of his staff [Captain George P. Corts, assistant adjutant 
general, and Lieutenant David Shields, aide-de-camp], each 
with a captured flag, rode down in front of his command, and 
in the rear, trailing the Rebel colors in the dust, and amid 
the deafening shouts and cheers of the men who for a moment 
forgot the terrible battle scenes and thought only of the glory 
of their victory," 

Adjutant Ira Smith Brown, of the 126th New York, tells 
of the part Willard's Brigade had in a letter home a few days 
after the battle: 

"At 3 A. M. July 2nd, wearied and sore, we took up our 
line of march. It was rainy and had rained every day of our 
march. Many of the men were foot-sore. At 8 A. M. we had 
reached the extreme front and halted near the cemetery, but 
soon moved farther to the left. On our right lay the village ; 
in front a little valley, bordered on the further side by woods. 
We were on a crest of ground. Rickett's Battery^ was on our 
right at first and other batteries disposed around. Our posi- 
tion had, as it were, no flanks ; front all around, and we could 
move to any point without marching three miles ; to do the 
same thing the enemy must march ten miles. We had here 
the advantage the Rebels had heretofore possessed, the ground 
receding from us on every side. In our front was a low stone 
wall and an old rail fence, of which we hastily constructed 
breastworks. As we were on the crest every form was clearly 
defined against the sky. Bear this in mind. 

1 "Disaster, Struggle, Triumph," Pages 186, 341. The officer 
was Capt. Morris Brown, Jr., 126th New York, killed in front of 
Petersburg, June 22, 1864. 

2 Battery I, 1st United States Artillery, formerly commanded 
by Capt. Jas. B. Ricketts, which distinguished itself at the First Bull 
Run, afterwards commanded by Lieut. Edmund Kirby, killed at 
Chancellorsville; at Gettysburg commanded by Lieut. George A. 
Woodruff, killed there. 



426 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"The enemy began a lively cannonading, doing little 
damage, and we retained our position nearly all day. The 
battle was progressing around, but in our front was compara- 
tive quiet. The Third Corps, under Sickles, was on our left 
and sustained a repulse. A battery was captured by the 
Rebels. The Third Corps was driven back. The enemy ad- 
vanced with triumphant yells. The Third Corps wanted help 
and the Third Brigade was ordered to 'fall in.' This was half 
an hour before sundown. The brigade, under Willard, left- 
faced and marched a mile to the gap formed by the defeat of 
a portion of Sickles' Corps. * * * Then, upon the evening 
air, rang out the last word I ever heard Colonel Willard 
speak. 'Forward !' 

"Raising the battle-cry, 'Harper's Ferry!' they threw 
themselves on the enemy as the floods sweep through a 
valley. The Rebel line was broken in less time than it takes 
to write. Backward over the hill fled the host that a moment 
before was victorious, pursuing ; and above all the roar could 
be heard the shout, 'Boys, remember Harper's Ferry!' 

"Passing too far our brigade was suddenly opened upon 
by a Rebel battery with grape and cannister at very short 
range. Now the carnage was fearful. Colonel W^illard was 
instantly killed ; Colonel MacDougall had two horses shot 
under him and was wounded. Colonel Sherrill assumed the 
command, and as the Rebels were gone out of sight withdrew 
the brigade a few rods to be out of range of that terrible 
battery. We had beaten the Rebels [at that point] and re- 
captured our battery. Harper's Ferry was avenged, but at 
what a fearful loss ! That night we slept on our arms.''^ 

While on the Battle of Gettysburg it will be opportune 
to call attention to the scant notice Alexander Hays and his 
division receive in Doubleday's account of the battle. In- 
stance the following extract from his first edition : 

"Gibbon had directed his command to reserve their fire 
until the enemy were near enough to make it effective. 
Pickett's advance dashed up to the fence occupied by Hays* 
Brigade of the Second Corps in front of our main line ; then 
the musketry blazed forth with deadly eflfect and Pettigrew's 
men began to waver on the left and fall behind, for the nature 
of the ground was such that they were more exposed than 
other portions of the line."- 

Had General Doubleday no other means of ascertaining 
the nature of General Alexander Hays' command at Gettys- 

1 "Struggle, Disaster, Triumph," Page 176. 

2 "ChancellorsvlUe and Gettysburg," Page 193. 



Gettysburg 427 

ro"tersVf°the T' '"f?™^^himself by consulting the official 

Again, speaking of the deflection of Pickett's troops in 
BrZTn n "r, "'"''"« «^^ f^"" St-nard-s and Rowley" 

anTon' rbb 1'^'' °"'"°" t^"'^'' °f '"^ F'-' Corp 

and on Gibbons left, and Gibbon on Hays' left]. General 
Doubleday repeats his error and magnifies it: 

towardsThe'center^t'v'' ^"gfde is seen to be crowded 
Hays' Brigade of th. ^ } n' ^'^'f ^ ^"' overpowered 

Note the black-faced words, which are not in Double- 
sZLlZlr' especially note that Doubleday specifi^ai; 
states that th.s was on Gibbon's line and how Alexander 

coud',:XT / \'"""" °" ^^^'^"'^ "^-h^' should or 

Division r Vn" m !f '"""'"' °^ ^ '^"^^^^ - Gibbon's 

WeTb hi. h"!" T"""'' " "°^ ^^^^^ '^ '''' -d General 
Webb has but recently passed away. Doubleday proceeds 

immediately to the descriptions of what happened to Webb 

and^ eventually states that Armistead fell within Webbs' 

s.Ho'^^k'.^""^'.? '^' well-known and oft-published conver- 
sation between Alexander Hays and Webb just after Pickett's 
repulse, or the failure of Longstreet's assault, to bftaX 

"Hays," said Webb, "Armistead and a large number of 
his men got mside my lines and among some of my guns and 
many of them were killed there." ^ 

«n.,>7^T-/''^?>'V*°"'^ ^"^ °^ '"'y ^""^'" replied Hays, 
neither did a Rebel fall within my lines." 

The conversation stopped. 

1 "Chancellorsville and Gettysburg," Page 194. 



428 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Referring to General Alexander Hays' official report it 
will be observed that Hays' Division lay partly behind stone 
walls, and the "brigade" of "Hays" behind the fence that 
were pursued by the exultant enemy "to the crest," despite 
the flanking fire from Doubleday's Division and the massed 
artillery and other supports. This one brigade is most for- 
tunately lost to history through Doubleday's blunder or 
erroneous designation. Could Doubleday have been think- 
ing of Webb's Brigade? 

In the edition of Doubleday's book of 1898 he amends 
his blunders and tries to do better by Alexander Hays. He 
says :^ 

"Pickett's advance dashed up to the fence occupied by 
the skirmishers of the Second Corps, near the Emmittsburg 
Road, and drove them back. Then the musketry blazed forth 
with deadly effect, and Pettigrew's men began to waver on 
the left and fall behind, for the nature of the ground was such 
that they were more exposed than other portions of the line. 
They were much shaken by the artillery, and that of Hays' 
Division sent them back in masses." 

The exceptions taken to General Doubleday's book are 
to the first edition only. When the book appeared General 
Hancock was living, and it is not to be supposed, even for a 
moment, that the "Superb Hancock" would allow such 
history to pass without a warm protest, as evinced in the 
following letter which impelled Doubleday to make the cor- 
rections noted. 

Doubleday was of the West Point class of 1842, two 
years before Alexander Hays — that they were acquainted 
personally is most probable and in the army reputations were 
well known. Doubleday was in Mexico in Taylor's army, at 
Monterey and Buena Vista, and should have known some- 
thing of Hays' early record in that army. It is worthy of 
note here that Doubleday had no active field service after 
December, 1863. 

That General Hancock resented Doubleday's treatment 
of the Third Division in his history is fully shown by this 
letter, to-wit: 

1 "Chancellorsville and Gettysburg," Page 193. See also the 
footnote mentioned by General Hancock in his letter, same page. 



Gettysburg 429 



GENERAL HANCOCK TO MRS. ANNIE A. HAYS 

"Governor's Island, N. Y., 
"My Dear Madame : April i6, 1883. 

"I duly received your note of the 4th, and have only de- 
layed replying until I could procure a copy of the revised 
edition of General Doubleday's book on Gettysburg, which 
has recently been published. I am pleased to observe that in 
the new issue of his work he has omitted the statement men- 
tioned by you that the enemy 'overpowered Hays' Brigade 
[Division] of the Second Corps and drove it from its ad- 
vanced position at the fence, back through the batteries on 
the crest,' and has added [page 193, new addition] a foot- 
note as follows : 

" 'The front line of Hays' Division, which received this 
charge, was composed of the 12th New Jersey, 14th Connec- 
ticut and 1st Delaware. The second was composed of the 
I nth, 125th, 126th and 39th New York.' 

"There are other corrections in General Doubleday's new 
edition in regard to General Hays' command at Gettysburg, 
which were made, I believe, in accordance with a letter which 
I caused to be written to him on the subject shortly after 
the first publication of his work. Thus, on the map on Page 
191, General Hays' name was omitted in connection with the 
position of his troops. In the new edition his name is in- 
serted on the map. On Page 193 of the first edition General 
Hays' 'Brigade' is spoken of; in the new issue his command 
is properly and handsomely referred to as 'Hays' Division,' 
Page 193. 

"A year or two since I concluded to print a few copies of 
my official reports of important military operations during 
the war, and by this mail I send you one of the volumes con- 
taining them, which I beg you to accept. General Hays 
would certainly have been one of those to receive a copy had 
he survived the conflict. You will observe that I have not 
failed to record his conspicuous services at Gettysburg, the 
splendid fighting of his troops and their capture of fifteen 
stand of colors and nearly two thousand prisoners on that field. 

"You will also note my mention of him at the Wilder- 
ness, where he fell at the head of his command. 

"I knew him well and have always considered him, and 
spoken of him, as one of the bravest and most valuable divi- 
sion commanders in our army. His record and high repu- 
tation as a soldier are fixed, and you can rest assured that 
no 'histories' or 'statements' from any source will disturb or 
change them. 

"I am, dear madame, 

"Very truly and respectfully yours, 

"Winf'd S. Hancock. 
"Mrs. Alexander Hays, 

"Sewickley, Allegheny County, Pa." 



430 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

The above is a thoroughly Hancock document, prompt 
to appear, incisive, quickly effective. In the meantime the 
first edition had gone broadcast over the world, and thousands 
read the incomplete story who never saw the amended 
version. It may be added that the original Doubleday 
version was as distasteful to the Second Corps veterans as 
it was to Mrs. Hays and the commander of the corps. 

The position of Hays' Division is properly inserted in 
Doubleday's map on the page of his book mentioned by 
General Hancock [191], but on Page 160, on the map of the 
positions of the first and second days, Hays is entirely 
omitted and Gibbon's Division appears between Doubleday 
and Howard [the Eleventh Corps line]. Why did Double- 
day thus write this history? What could have been his 
animus? Can one charitably say he blundered? The pre- 
sumption that he knew better is so strong that it can not be 
set aside.^ 

"Pettigrew, Archer, Scales and Lane, who had advanced 
on Pickett's left, broke through the first Union line [what 
line?], and ascending the slopes threw themselves against 
Hays' line. They could not pierce it, and were driven back 
in confusion, leaving two thousand prisoners and fifteen 
stands of colors. Some of their regiments joined Pickett, who 
was still fighting. 

"The entire fire of the Unionists was now concentrated 
on Pickett's men and the division was simply annihilated — 
three thousand five hundred men and twelve stands of colors 
were lost."^ 

General Clinton D. MacDougall, formerly colonel of the 
I nth New York Volunteers, writes Mr. Gilbert A. Hays as 
follows in regard to the part of the Third Division at Gettys- 
burg: 

"Auburn, N. Y., Nov. 29, 1909. 
"My Dear Mr. Hays: 

"Captain Shields informs me you are to publish a life 
of your distinguished father, and in it I hope to see justice 
done to the memory of my old and esteemed friend and com- 
mander, whose acquaintance I first made when he was as- 

1 Another historian errs with less opportunity of accurate 
knowledge of the events at Gettysburg. 

2 "Decisive Battles Since Waterloo," Page 236. Thomas W. 
Knox. 



Gettysburg 431 



signed to the command of our brigade in the winter of 
1862-3. 

"Our first battle under his command was at Gettysburg, 
and here is where history does him and his command great 
injustice. 

"When General Hays was assigned to our brigade, then 
doing duty in the outer defenses of Washington, with 
brigade headquarters at Union Mills, our regiment, with the 
125th and 39th, were at Centreville, and most of the time was 
under my command, being the senior officer present. 

"On June 25th, 1863, the brigade was ordered to join the 
Second Corps, then on the march through Centreville and, 
as it turned out, en route to Gettysburg. General Hays was 
at once assigned to the command of the Third Division, of 
which we became the Third Brigade. 

"Upon the arrival at Gettysburg on the morning of July 
2nd the usual skirmish lines were thrown out. I can never 
forget the first act of superb gallantry I noticed in General 
Hays. The line of skirmishers on our right was hard pressed 
and gave way. In an instant the general rode down at a 
gallop mounted on his fine bay 'Dan,' with an orderly carry- 
ing his division flag, followed by his other orderlies.^ The 
line was at once re-established and never broke again. It 
was the first and last time I ever saw a division commander 
with his flag and staff on the skirmish line — they were 
targets for hundreds of sharpshooters. 

"It is humiliating for one who was there and participated 
in the battle to read some of the official reports. The great 
trouble is that these reports were not published until some 
thirty years after the war, when most of the participants who 
made reports had been killed in battle or died of old age. 

"Take the incident of the burning of the Bliss barn. As 
soon as General Hays discovered that it was occupied by the 
enemies' sharpshooters he came to me and asked if I had a 
man in my command who would volunteer to go down and 
fire that barn. The troops were lying down at the time. I 
stepped in front of my regiment [the iiith New York] and 
asked, 'Who will volunteer to go down and fire that barn?' 
Fully half a dozen hands went up. Sergeant Charles A. Hitch- 
cock of Company G, having raised the first hand, I designated 
him, giving him a box of matches and a lot of newspapers. 
He started on the double quick. He took a zig-zag course on 

1 Besides Corporal Carroll two orderlies deserve especial men- 
tion — Privates Jonas Thornton and William Peterman of the 1st 
Ohio Cavalry, two companies of this regiment having remained 
with the Army of the Potomac, the remainder of the regiment going 
to the West. These two companies had been in service with Stahel's 
Cavalry Division in the defense of Washington. The orderlies, 
Thornton and Peterman, were on duty at Third Division head- 
quarters when General Hays took command of the division. General 
Hays retained them and subsequently obtained commissions for 
them. 



432 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



beyond our skirmishers until he reached the barn ; and as soon 
as he passed beyond the skirmishers he was loudly cheered. 
With his bunch of papers he fired the corner of the barn, under 
which, he said, he found some dry hay. On his return he was 
wounded in the arm. Hitchcock was a slender, red-haired, 
fiery young man of twenty-two years of age, a man of no mean 
artistic merit, and the father of Raymond Hitchcock, the 
actor. He was promoted to a lieutenancy on the recommen- 
dation of General Hays for this gallant act. He died in Phila- 
delphia about three years ago. 

"Today I am informed the 12th New Jersey and 14th Con- 
necticut both placed markers, claiming it as their act, and 
some time ago I understood some Massachusetts regiment 
claimed it. I care not what claims are made. I know little 
slender red-haired Sergeant Hitchcock did it, and it can be 
sworn to by every survivor of the iiith. 

"An extract from my address at Gettysburg at the dedi- 
cation of our regimental monument, nearly twenty years ago, 
gives a truthful and, to my mind, accurate account of Long- 
street's charge. The main point of attack was Ziegler's 
Grove, just to our right and rear, near the Bryan house. The 
crowding of the attacking party was from their right to the 
left, showing conclusively that Ziegler's Grove was the point 
aimed at and not the small clump of undergrowth on the much 
lower ground on our left, which has been so much written 
and talked about as 'the high-water mark of the Rebellion.' 

"The largest number of killed and wounded of the enemy 
lay in our immediate front. 

"The greatest number of prisoners was taken by our divi- 
sion, and the largest capture of colors of the enemy — twenty- 
one. 

"The largest number of casualties was in the Third Divi- 
sion, as the official reports clearly show. 

"The Second Brigade, Second Division, commanded by 
General Alexander S. Webb, who has claimed so much, lost 
491. [I give the largest regimental losses]. The 69th Penn- 
sylvania lost 137, the 72nd Pennsylvania 192. 

"This officer, whose lines broke before the assault of the 
enemy, was bountifully decorated with medals of honor and 
brevets, and has ever since been written up in newspaper and 
illustrated magazine articles.^ 

"The Third Brigade of the Third Division, that was on 
Webb's right and on high ground, stood fast and never gave 
an inch of ground to the enemy, but in turn charged the Con- 
federates, lost 714, the I nth New York losing 249, the 126th 
231. Figures in battles are as true as in commercial transac- 
tions and as clearly tell who bore the brunt of Longstreet's 
[misnamed Pickett's] charge. 

"Some years ago, during my service in Congress, I sat in 

1 Comment by Captain J. S. Sullivan [1911], "Good Reading." 



Gettysburg 433 



the Committee on Military Affairs with two general officers 
of the Confederate army who participated in this celebrated 
charge. Each agreed, and General Longstreet himself in 
frequent conversations I had with him said it was the grove 
of larger trees on the higher ground that was their aim and 
point of direction. On examining the configuration of the 
ground, I assert, no student of military tactics with a prac- 
ticed eye can say otherwise. 

"General Hays' report of the Battle of Gettysburg is en- 
tirely too modest. He was always too generous in all his 
claims and dealings with others, but he could not help it, it 
was his nature. He was absolutely unselfish in all things, a 
splendid characteristic, I regret to say, not possessed by all 
the regular army officers. He claimed that he and his com- 
mand did their whole duty, not that the whole victory be- 
longed to them. 

"It may be well said of him, 'He walked a highway of 
his own and kept the company of his self-respect.' 

"Just as this charge commenced a sharpshooter of the 
enemy shot the lower bone of my left arm in two. I had it 
bound up and remained with my command until the charge 
was repulsed, when I went to the hospital to have the wound 
attended to. On my return General Hays was lying under 
the fly of a tent in the orchard of the Bryan house, just in the 
rear of my regiment. Seeing me passing with my arm in a 
sling he called to me as was his wont, 'Oh, Colonel Mac' I 
sat on the ground in front of him. He asked about my 
injury, was enthusiastic about our victory, our captures of 
prisoners and colors. Beside his quarters lay a large pile of 
captured flags ; he asked me to count them, and I counted 
twenty-one, large and small. We then engaged in general 
conversation about the battle and what would probably occur 
next, 

"Soon a staff officer appeared and said General Webb 
presents his compliments and asks that General Hays send 
him some battle flags he has, which were captured by him 
[Webb]. General Hays replied with a good deal of warmth, 
'How in h — 1 did I get them if he captured them ?' and calling 
to his aide, Lieut. Shields, 'Oh, "Dave !" pick out half a dozen 
flags and send them to General Webb as a present, with my 
compliments ; we have so many here we don't know what to 
do with them and Webb needs them.'^ 

"It is far from my disposition or intention to take one 
laurel from the brow of any gallant soldier, but I am con- 
strained to say that medals of honor and brevets were show- 
ered upon others for Gettysburg's victory that justly belonged 
to General Hays. 

1 Captain J. S. Sullivan has added in his own handwriting the 
words in black type, "and Webb needs them," which were evidently 
forgotten by General MacDougall. 



434 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"The Third Division served under General Hays at 
Bristoe and all the other engagements of the division until 
the reorganization of the army took place in the winter of 
1864, and when General Hays was taken. from us we all felt 
we had lost our best friend, a commander beloved by all, one 
whom we all know we would find where danger was the great- 
est, where the bullets flew the thickest, where the fighting 
was the fiercest, there we would always find General Hays, 
with the blue trefoil behind him and Captain Corts and Lieut. 
Shields at his side. No one could hang back with such a 
leader and such an example of bravery before them. 

"When Longstreet's charge [wrongly called Pickett's, 
who only commanded one of the three divisions making the 
charge] was broken General Hays seized two captured flags 
by their staffs, and mounted on 'Dan' rode up and down be- 
tween the lines, trailing them in the dirt, a target for the 
enemy's artillery and sharpshooters. 'Dan' was killed, but 
the general was unhurt." 

The following fragment of a letter, date unknown, written 
by General Hays to his eldest daughter, Agnes, after Gettys- 
burg, attests the fact that a sergeant of his command burned 
the Bliss barn^ and that General Hays was in touch with him 
at the time. This sergeant was Charles A. Hitchcock of the 
I nth New York. Hitchcock evidently got the flower while 
at the Bliss house. The dried flower,^ in good condition, is 
still in possession of the Hays family. "Grandma" is Mrs. 
John B. McFadden. The horse, "Leet," died of his wounds, 
having been left at Gettysburg: 

"I forgot to tell you that we have two cows at headquar- 
ters. Today [just now] we had dinner with plum pudding 
and the best cream. I have sent to Gettysburg for 'Leet,' so 
tell grandfather he will again try the field. The flower I sent 

1 Burning of barn at Gettysburg. 

2 General MacDougall fully vouches for Charles Hitchcock, but 
In the book in possession of the Hays family in which are contained 
the various flowers sent home by General Hays, written around the 
flower itself, is the following inscription in the handwriting of Agnes 
Hays: "This flower was picked on the battlefield of Gettysburg by 
Sergeant Carroll as he returned from setting fire to the barn [men- 
tioned in the reports of the battle] as a token that he had fulfilled 
the mission on which he had been sent. While returning with the 
flower he was shot in the arm. He was afterwards promoted to a 
second lieutenancy in the regiment by recommendation of General 
Alexander Hays." The above in handwriting of Agnes M. Hays. 
It is plain Agnes has confused the names. Sergeant Carroll was the 
division color-bearer. 



Gettysburg 435 

to grandma^ came from a garden on the field of Gettysburg 
from the home where our pickets fought so wickedly and 
which I afterwards caused to be burned. It was given to 
me by the sergeant who volunteered to go forward amidst 
a shower of balls to burn the house, and he fulfilled his mis- 
sion and returned severely wounded," 

That great war correspondent and historian of the "Army 
of the Potomac," William Swinton, is also inaccurate in these 
statements : 

"It happened that the division on the left of Pickett under 
command of General Pettigrew, was, in considerable part, 
made up of North Carolina troops comparatively green To 
animate them they had been told that they would meet only 
the Pennsylvania militia. But when approaching the slope 
they received the feu d'enfer from Hays' line, there ran 
through their ranks a cry, the effect of which was like to that 
which thrilled a Greek army when it was said that the god 
Pan was among them. 

"Thus suddenly disillusioned regarding their Opponents, 
Pettigrew's troops broke in disorder, leaving two thousand 
prisoners and fifteen colors in the hands of Hays' Division. 
Now, as Wilcox's Brigade had not advanced, Pickett's Divi- 
sion remained alone a solid lance-head of Virginia troops, tem- 
pered in the fire of battle. Solitary this division, buffeting 
the fierce volleys that met it, rushed up the crest of Cemetery 
Ridge, and such was the momentum of its assault that it 
fairly thrust itself within Hancock's line."^ 

This recognition story of the Army of the Potomac has 
since been worn threadbare. It is usually met in the accounts 
of the first Confederate attacks on the first day, especially in 
the recognition of the Iron Brigade. 

Six brigades came up in General Hays' immediate front 
or within rifle range, to-wit : Brockenbrough's, Davis', Petti- 
grew's [under Colonel Marshall] and Archer's of Heth's Divi- 
sion, Lane's and Scales' of Pender's Division of A. P. Hill's 
Corps, all veteran troops. 

Of twenty-five regiments and two battalions included in 
these six brigades seventeen regiments and one battalion were 
in service on the Peninsula in the spring of 1862. Scales' 

.'QnJ^^?°^^^^°,T ^^^^"^ ^" handwriting of John B. McFadden: 

Sergeant Carroll of the 111th Regiment, New York Volunteers 

Auburn." "Lieut. H. A. Hall." Carroll was not shot. ^^'^^^^^^s. 

PageVs^^"^^^'^"^ °^ ^^^ ^"""^^ °^ "'^ Potomac," William Swinton, 



436 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Brigade was then commanded by General Pender, command- 
ing the division at Gettysburg. The brigade was the same 
except the 13th North Carolina, which was in Garland's 
Brigade of D. H. Hill's Division. Lane's Brigade was General 
Branch's on the Peninsula. Archer's was the same except the 
13th Alabama, the brigade then commanded by General Robert 
Hatton. The 2nd and nth Mississippi of Davis' Brigade 
were in the campaign on the Peninsula, and Brockenbrough's 
Brigade, then commanded by General Charles W. Field, in- 
cluded the 40th and 47th Virginia. 

Lane, Scales, Brockenbrough and Archer were engaged 
at Second Bull Run and Antietam, their brigades substan- 
tially as at Gettysburg, and all were of Stonewall Jackson's 
old corps. Undoubtedly there were conscripts and recruits 
in some of the regiments, but there were sufficient veterans 
to make the brigades efficient fighting organizations. 

Captain Shields in talking over this incident of the battle 
remarked that the Confederate officers leading the charge 
when he saw them were on foot and instanced that General 
Armistead was not mounted when stricken down, and at no 
time, except when their horses fell, were any of General Hays' 
staff not mounted. There is no doubt that the Confederate 
generals started on their mounts and that their horses were 
killed. Longstreet tells of General "Dick" Garnett riding by 
him, "wrapped up in an old blue overcoat, his last ride, brave 
soul." General Walker refers to the flag incident and the 
ride along the Third Division lines in his account of General 
Hays' death and speaks of it with admiration.^ 

General Hays' escape from death was and was not mar- 
velous. Captain Shields, years afterwards, while on a visit 
to the battlefield, fell in with a Confederate officer on the same 
errand, and in conversation related the above incidents and 
the officer remembered witnessing them. He told Captain 
Shields a group of Confederate officers were observing the 
actions of General Hays and an order was once given to pick 
the Federal general oflf. A superior officer immediately coun- 
termanded the order, saying, "No, don't shoot him. That's 
'Sandy' Hays." Captain Shields in the lapse of years has for- 
gotten his informant's name, but is positive that the officer 
interceding was Longstreet, but Pickett was also at West 

1 "History of the Second Army Corps," Page 416. 



Gettysburg 437 

The story has a distinct Longstreet flavor and is in keep- 

bHtXt ti !'""■ V' ^"''"'^ '" "- ""^^ °f p-i- 

wi h"^" WM » "'""'■ '"^y ';^^^ l'^^" A. P. Hill, for Hill was 
with Joe Lane m Central Mexico, serving as second lieu- 
^nant ,„ ^,e First Artillery, and was in actio'n with A^xa d'r 
Hays at Huamantia and Atlixco, and was a "Plebe" at the 
academy when Hays was graduated.' 

artiiw""*'! ^' ^' ^l"''^'"^'''' 'commanding a battalion of 

o "::' trett'"^ "f' ^"P^ " *'^"^=^"^- ■" "is account 
of Longstreet s assault at .ts close mentions the meeting of 

therot ""i ?'™^' ^"""^""^ °f *he British an.^ 

then observmg the battle within the Confederate lines Th^ 
colonel pubhshed an excellent account of the battle r'Black 
wood s Magaz,ne, and tells of General Lee reproving a y™„g 
staff officer for spurring a foolish horse. This officer II, 
L.eut. Colston of Alexander's staff who had justteen si 

had be"e"t '° ""■■'"" '"' ^^"=<= °' ^--t'cheering they 

had been hearmg m the Federal lines. General Lee feared 
that .t was the forerunner of an advance by the enemy Ltut 
Colston reported that it was only a greeting to some general' 

afd:;c ' '"' ""'■ ™'^ °"''" ™^ «--' ^■- 

General Alexander in his book relates the same incident 

' Gen'^^rarMear'r^"' "°-* '" ''^'"'^'"^ L^"'' "°'^'°"' 
General Meade took cognizance of this great demonstra 

t.on on Hancock's line. His biographers say « '""'°'"*'^ 
Gen^TM^retode^^erto^X'^ ?li„^r^^«\--'' 
the soldiers and officers commenced to cheer him, and made 

that the^^firs/ume^Sal SaTrodP ^o^^. 'V' ''""'^ '^ '^' ^^^ct 
line] General Longstreet waV/ot iSpl'^.*^^x^'■°''^ f°^ *he skirmish 
had not yet come up wTth h?s d°vis£n Thl' "^^'^ ^'■'"''^ ^°^ P^^^^tt 
not got back from the ''charee-Hm Jo^-^^^^"** "'^^ ^^^^^ett had 
and the officers undoubtedlyl'sed fheir^gfass^'es""'^' ''°^'' ^^^^^«^' 

Also ^.;^^- Sl-^-1 ^^^S^,^;^^^. ^?. -f e,367. 
^^^ 3 -Life and Letters of Major General George G. Meade." Page 



438 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

such a demonstration that he crossed over the line of battle 
and, accompanied by his staff and a large crowd of mounted 
officers, who had gathered about him, rode down in front of 
the Union line all the way to Round Top. Every man on 
the Union line mounted the breastworks [?], and it was one 
continuous ovation the whole way down, and, strange to say, 
not a shot was fired by the enemy, although the cavalcade 
was within easy range." 

General Meade himself says in a letter to his son, John 
Sergeant Meade, under date of October 7, 1863: 

'T have read an article in Blackwood which is tolerable 
fair for a 'secesh' Englishman. The general officer referred 
to as being cheered was your humble servant, and I was at 
the time riding down the line to the left for the purpose of 
ordering an attack ; but it was so late, and the distance to the 
enemy's line so great, that by the time the troops were in 
motion the day was at an end."^ 

General Meade was well known to the Fifth Corps, which 
he had lately commanded, but not to the men of Hays' divi- 
sion, especially the Third Brigade, which General Hays had 
commanded at Centreville. An unprecedented battle scene, 
such as a general officer trailing captured standards in the 
dust and riding his lines in front of the enemy, would be suf- 
ficient inspiration for the most stupid soldiers, if such 
American soldiers can be imagined. Cheers spontaneously 
arise and cheering is contagious. General Meade may have 
come along at this time, but the acts of General Hays and 
his aides inspired the cheering, however long it may have 
continued or what distance it ran along the lines. 

Other testimony of General Hays' services at Gettysburg 
is available. Lieut. L. E. Bicknell of the First Company, 
Massachusetts Sharpshooters [Andrews'], after a visit to 
Gettysburg in 1883, writes as follows: 

"I found a monument in Ziegler's Grove to the 88th 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, which marks the spot where our 
infantry were being rapidly cut down by the enemy's sharp- 
shooters on the morning of July 3rd. In fact, when, with 
twenty of the ist Massachusetts Sharpshooters, I entered the 
grove our infantry were virtually driven from it. We held 
the grove to the right and left of the 88th's monument until 
the heavy cannonading checked sharpshooting. A shattered 

1 "Life and Letters of General George Gordon Meade," Vol. II, 
Page 153. 



Gettysburg 439 

remnant of some regiment, perhaps the one that had suffered 
so in front of and in the grove, lay along the remains of a 
stone wall in our rear, and during the heavy cannonading 
which preceded the enemy's assault, with many others, sought 
the seeming shelter of the grove. 

"Just before the grand charge, at the request of General 
Alexander Hays, who commanded the Third Division of the 
Second Corps, I gathered up all these men that lay in the 
grove and General Hays formed them in line to the right of 
the Bryan house, which is the house to the left of the monu- 
ment on the line of battle as you go towards Round Top. At 
the time of the battle the grove extended to this house. I 
took position with the remainder of my squad of sharpshoot- 
ers on the right of this line. 

"While the enemy were advancing to the Emmittsburg 
Road, General Hays drilled the line in the manual of arms, 
allowing them to fire left oblique while the enemy were clos- 
ing with our line to the left of the Bryan house, then swung 
them down by a left wheel to the lane which then ran from 
the house to the Emmittsburg Road ; across the lane they 
then fired. The moment chosen for the left wheel or flanking 
movement was just as the last division of the enemy's charg- 
ing column was crossing the Emmittsburg Road, moving 
directly for Ziegler's Grove. As the entire front of the Second 
Corps to the left of the Bryan house was already covered and 
in many places penetrated, this fresh division would probably 
have forced our line back and gained the shelter of the grove 
had it not been subjected to our flank fire, which destroyed 
its formation and sent its shattered and disordered masses 
along the other side of the lane and in front of the Third Divi- 
sion of the Second Corps. 

'T finally drew back our line a little from the fence to 
prevent our rear being gained by the enemy moving north 
on the Emmittsburg Road, and also to uncover a gun [or 
two guns] which had during the melee been got into position 
at the head of the lane near the Bryan house, and as the 
enemy crowded forward into the lane the fire of these guns 
ended the contest. 

"I have not yet learned what regiments or fragments of 
regiments composed the line swung down, but they were 
strangers to me, and I have just learned the 39th, iiith, 
125th and 126th New York Regiments were added to the 
Third Division on the march to Gettysburg. I left the army 
soon after the battle and had no opportunity to learn after- 
wards." 

Lieut. Bicknell quotes a letter from General Longstreet 
of date January 4, 1884, confirming these statements, and 
proceeds : 

"In regard to the blow struck by the 8th Ohio Regiment 



440 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



the Ohio men say that they were west of the Emmittsburg 
Road. If so, they must have been north and in front of Zieg- 
ler's Grove."^ 

Lieut. Bicknell is substantially correct as to positions, 
for Batchelder's isometrical map so locates all the commands 
the lieutenant mentions. The 88th Pennsylvania belonged to 
Baxter's Brigade of Robinson's Second Division of the First 
Corps and lay in the grove. The battery spoken of was 
Battery I of the First United States Artillery under Lieut. 
Woodrufif, who was killed, and General F. A. Walker takes 
pains to give the formation exactly, to-wit : 

"This battery holds the right of the Second Corps line. 
It is supported by the io8th New York ; next comes the divi- 
sion of Alexander Hays in two lines, the front line posted 
behind a low stone wall. Perhaps three hundred and fifty 
yards from the grove the stone wall runs westward [that 
is, toward the enemy] to enclose another and more advanced 
ridge. Here the wall is lower and is surmounted by a county 
post and rail fence. Hays' left is formed of Smyth's Brigade 
and Arnold's Rhode Island Battery; Webb's Brigade of Gib- 
bon's Division connects with Hays' Division at the angle; 
on his line is posted Cushing's Battery A, Fourth United 
States; Hall's Brigade, also of Gibbon's Division, continues 
the line southward; with it Brown's Rhode Island Battery. 
Harrow's Brigade, with which is Rorty's New York Bat- 
tery, continues Gibbon's lines. On his front and Hall's the 
stone wall is replaced by an ordinary rail fence, which the 
men have thrown down to gain some slight cover. Still 
further to the south, in a clump of trees and bushes, lies 
Stannard's Vermont Brigade of Doubleday's Division. ^ These 
Vermonters were old friends of the 'Defenses of Washing- 
ton.' " 

General Meade's biographers are full in their accounts 
of Gettysburg. They say: 

"This formation brought the right of the Second Corps 
to the Taneytown Road, connecting with the left of the 
Eleventh Corps at a clump of woods known as Ziegler's 
Grove."3 

1 "Battles and Leaders of the Civil War," Vol. Ill, Pages 391- 
392; Vide also Colonel Sawyer's statement of the 8th Ohio's posi- 
tion and part in the action on the third day. 

2 "History of the Second Corps," Page 291. 

3 "Life and Letters of Major General George G. Meade," Page 
63. General Hays' position on the 2nd is defined on Page 65, Ibid. 



Gettysburg 441 

Rev. Jesse Bowman Young in his recent book does full 
justice to the Second Corps at Gettysburg. Under the cap- 
tion, "Brigadier General Alexander Hays," he says : 

"We cannot summarize here what Hays' Division did 
on the third day when the final blow, embodied in Pickett's 
and Pettigrew's charge, fell directly upon their front. When 
the fight ended that afternoon fifteen colors and over two 
thousand prisoners fell into their hands. Magnificently were 
they led by their division commander." 

Again : 

"The infantry line was made up of an extraordinary body 
of soldiers, as choice as any that were ever mustered under 
any flag, marshaled either in the front or the supporting lines 
by such division leaders as Hays, Gibbon, Caldwell, Double- 
day, Birney, Humphreys and Robinson, with such brigade 
commanders as Webb, Hall, Harrow— types of skill and 
patriotic devotion worthy of any land or age. On their left 
were the troops of the Fifth Corps, and near them massed in 
reserve stood the Sixth Corps, held ready for any critical 
advance which might later develop near and on Little Round 
Top. 

"Against this solidly massed and magnificently posted 
body of batteries and this great force of infantry, occupying 
Imes in part defended by stone fences and in part by hastily 
constructed barricades on a slightly elevated ridge which 
almost completely overlooked the rolling fields, across which 
an assaulting force must approach, the charge of the forlorn 
hope was now to be made."^ 

It can well be believed that after Gettysburg the army 
correspondents had much to write about. Here is some 
matter from Rochester, N. Y., but it is extracted from a 
private letter. [Probably the clipping referred to in letter 
of July 2y] : 

THE io8th IN THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 

The Regiment Takes the Brunt of the Rebel Charges. 

[We are permitted to publish the following letter from 
a member of the io8th Regiment to his father in this city. 
The writer gives a graphic and interesting account of the 
terrible fighting in which he shared] : 

1 "The Battle of Gettysburg," Pages 51 and 312. Lieut. Young 
is speaking of the whole line from Alexander Hays' position west. 
The Fifth Corps were on Round Top and vicinity and the Sixth 
Corps mostly massed in the rear of the Fifth. 



442 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"Battlefield at Gettysburg, Pa., 
July 4th, 1863. 
"Dear Father — Another great battle has been fought and 
won. Wednesday night we arrived here from Taneytown, 
and Thursday morning our regiment was ordered to the front 
to support the First Regular Battery.^ During the day we 
were shelled occasionally and a few of our men were 
wounded. Yesterday forenoon they opened on us again, but 
were soon silenced by our brass twelve-pounders. The enemy 
could be seen building breastworks, or abatis work, for pro- 
tection from our shot and shells. In the forenoon Companies 
A and C were sent out as skirmishers and had three killed 
and four wounded. At noon or near that hour they were re- 
lieved and came in. About 2 o'clock the enemy opened fire 
from their batteries, thus getting a partial cross-fire on us. 
Our guns replied in good time and order. Our regiment was 
immediately in their rear and laid down, but very man}'- of 
them suffered severely ; indeed, it was the hardest fire the 
io8th ever experienced — perfectly awful, murderous. Not a 
second but a shell shot or ball flew over, or by us. Large 
limbs were torn from the trunks of the oak trees under which 
we lay and precipitated down upon our heads. One shell came 
shrieking and tearing through the trees with the velocity of 
lightning, striking a caisson, causing it to explode, wounding 
several. Three or four men started to their feet to leave the 
spot, but Lieut. Card drew his sword and commanded them 
to go back and lay down in their places, which they did. 
Small trees were cut down and large ones shattered almost 
to pieces. Five different cannon-balls struck a large oak 
three feet in diameter, which stood not five feet from where 
I lay, and one of them passed entirely through it. A shell 
struck right at my feet, killing Sergeant Maurice Welch and 
Private John Fitzner. This destructive and murderous fire 
continued to pour in upon us for more than an hour — in fact, 
until they silenced our batteries, or rather until we had ex- 
hausted our ammunition. Very many of our cannoniers were 
killed or wounded and the most of the horses. Some of our 
regiment had to help them run their pieces back by hand. 
General French having taken command of the Third Corps, 
Brigadier General Hays had command of our division, and I 
must say I think he is the bravest division general I ever saw 
in the saddle. Most of the time he was riding up and down 
the line in front of us, exhorting the 'boys' to stand fast and 
fight like men. Shell, shot, nor the bullets of the Rebel sharp- 
shooters seemed to intimidate him in the least; in fact, he 
paid not the least attention to them, nor did his staff officers. 
Once he rode by and said, 'Boys, don't let 'em touch these 
pieces,' and in a few moments he rode back again, laughing, 
and sung out, 'Hurrah! boys, we're giving them h — 1!' and 

1 Woodruff's. 



Gettysburg 443 

he dashed up to the brow of the hill and cheered our skir- 
mishers, who were driving the Rebs before them. Soon after 
our pieces ceased firing, the Rebels slackened theirs also, and 
then advanced in three lines of infantry from the woods' and 
across the fields. I never saw troops march out with more 
military precision. Their lines were straight and unbroken 
and they looked in the distance like statues. On they came, 
steady, firm, moving like so many automatons. Our brigade 
now formed in line to receive them, the skirmishers coming 
in at the same time. The io8th was taken out of the grove, 
drawn up in line of battle and then told to kneel down until 
the word to fire. The 12th New Jersey was on our left and 
the 126th New York on our right. Two pieces of the First 
Battery were brought up by hand, and when the Rebs had 
advanced about half way across the field a deadly fire of grape 
and canister was thrown into them, mowing them down like 
chafif. But still on they came. When within musket range 
the infantry rose up and gave them a withering shower and 
the gray lines melted away." 

Brevet Brigadier General Henry H. Bingham, recently 
deceased, for many years a member of Congress from Phila- 
delphia, orator at Gettysburg in the ceremonies of September 
13th, 1889, on the occasion of the dedication of the monu- 
ments of the Pennsylvania commands engaged in the battle, 
his assignment being "The Second and Third Days," referring 
to the repulse of Longstreet's assault, says :i 

"They are now upon us. We can see their faces lono- 
colorless, gaunt— their clothing covered with blood and'dirt.*" 

"The muskets, bayonetted, carried at a charge, the look 
upon the firm-set faces, resolute, defiant, fearless. Up men 
of Pennsylvania ! Up, soldiers of the Second Corps ! ' You 
or they must win this day ; there is no retreat now. 

"Harrow's or Hall's men strike them on our left, Stan- 
nard's flank fire rolls them on our right, and brave Alexander 
Hays with soldiers worthy of the gallantry of their leader, 
with a fire concentrated and fearful in its havoc, wedges them' 
in a solid column, which, driven like a massed weight, falls 
with a fearful force, impelled upon the front of Webb's 
Bribade. They now seem irresistible and they mean to kill. 

"Webb in the midst of his soldiers fights as they fight, 
yet he is ever their leader. The fearful thunderbolt has 
driven back his first line, but it readily re-forms on the second 
and brave Webb falls wounded. 

"The scene passes description — shot and shell and canister 
and musketry, every implement of warfare and death, play 

1 "Pennsylvania at Gettysburg," Vol. I, Page 52. 



444 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

havoc and let loose the dogs of war. Battle flags drop, men 
throw up their hands and fall upon their faces within our lines. 
"The fight is over, the victory of victories is won. Well 
done, sagacious Meade ; bravely done, Hancock, master leader 
in the battle-front of this the battle of the century, your blood 
has hallowed this ground ; and you, heroic Gibbon, and Webb, 
and Gushing, and Hays, and a long line of living and dead 
leaders, well done ! A nation thanks you and thanks your 
great army. Soldiers of Pennsylvania, your valor has been 
seen on many battlefields, but on none has it been greater 
or grander, nobler or more heroic than on the July days of 

"Again we hear the call and in its tones a wail of anxiety, 
almost grief. 'Watchman, what of the night?' The answer 
is heard all over the land, 'All's well ! The Army of the 
Potomac has gained a great victory,' and like an ocean's roar 
comes back response, 'Thank God and the Army of the 
Potomac !' " 

At Gettysburg General Bingham was major and judge 
advocate on the staff of General Hancock. It is only while 
pondering over this most beautiful peroration that by way 
of contrast the unaffected plainness of Historian Doubleday 
looms up, and it becomes most apparent that he had written 
Alexander Hays out of the Battle of Gettysburg. After the 
battle the story of Hays' Division in part is realistically told 
in the history of the 126th New York: 

"On the night of the 3rd Lee began his retreat actively 
but silently. It was continued on the 4th, his movements 
being masked by keeping up constant skirmishing in his front 
and sharpshooting all day. Besides, their rifle pits, a stone 
barn, with long, narrow windows, afforded them a safe covert, 
whence they could pick off our officers and men with un- 
merciful precision. General Hays ordered the barn to be 
taken. Colonel Bull, as brigade commander, called on the 
regiment to do it, but no response came immediately — the 
risk was too deadly. Lieut. Geddis started up and volun- 
teered, asking Company D of the 126th to follow him. They 
did so, as did men from most of the other companies. A high 
post-and-rail fence ran along the Emmittsburg Road which 
must be crossed. Five of these volunteers were shot while 
getting over the fence. Nothing daunted, the little Spartan 
band advanced, keeping along the side of a rail fence which 
ran toward the barn. But such a deadly and continuous fire 
met them from the barn and rifle-pits as forced them to 
abandon the attempt; and now the object was to secure the 
wounded and get back as fast as they could. Keeping in a 
furrow turned out by a plow near the rail fence, and taking 
advantage of any kind of cover they could find, the remnant 



Gettysburg 445 

of them reached our lines again with their wounded, Lieut. 
Geddis bringing up the rear as he had led the advance. Our 
men think that this skirmishing on the 4th of July was the 
most dangerous service they were ever employed in, as the 
sharpshooters hit everything that was seen to move. All the 
while the bands on the hill behind them, jubilant with victory, 
kept 'Independence Day' by playing national airs. On the 
following night pickets were stationed on the field, Capt. 
Munson of the 126th in command of our line. It was raining 
heavily, but the sharpshooters continued their murderous 
work. Our pickets were charged to keep silence, for the 
Rebel wounded would question them, and when they answered 
the sharpshooters would fire in the direction of their voices."^ 

The services of General Hays and the Third Division are 
noted in histories and other accounts of the battle.^ The re- 
cently published "Life and Letters of Major General George 
Gordon Meade" refer to the Third Division and its com- 
mander. Brigadier General Alexander Hays, on many pages. 
The following extracts are in place here : 

Of Willard's Brigade, lately commanded by General 
Alexander Hays, General Meade says : 

"Hancock orders up a brigade, Willard's of Hays' Divi- 
sion, and, personally leading it out beyond McGilvery's guns, 
places it in position. Willard almost immediately comes into 
action with Barksdale, whom nothing has heretofore seemed 

1 "Struggle, Disaster, Triumph," Pages 198-199. 

2 "Civil War in America," Count de Paris, Vol. Ill, Pages 629, 
663-665 et seq. "Grand Commanders — General Hancock," P. A. 
Walker [Appleton's], Pages 126-127, 140-141 et seq. "Battles and 
Leaders of the Civil War," Vol. Ill, Pages 344, 375-377, 391. 
"Battle of Gettysburg," William Ralston Balch, Page 83. "Battle 
of Gettysburg," Samuel Adams Drake, Page 140 et seq. "Under the 
Red Patch," Gilbert A. Hays, Page 196 to end of chapter. "Gettys- 
burg — Where and How the Regiments Fought and the Troops They 
Encountered," John M. Vanderslice, Pages 68, 87 ["Willard's Fine 
Brigade," formerly Alexander Hays'], Pages 95, 107, 121, 128, 130, 
132, 148, 162 and 219. "New York at Gettysburg," Vol. I, Pages 284- 
285; Vol. II, Pages 792, 795, 796, 799, 887, 888, 889, 891 and 905 
et seq. "History of the Second Army Corps," F. A. Walker, Pages 
260, 282. "Heroism of the American Soldier," Mulholland, Page 
37. "Rebellion Record," Vol. VII, Documents, Page 99 [and Webb's 
Brigade all the captured flags and Hays' none]. ' Three recent works 
must be added, "The Crisis of the Confederacy, a History of Gettys- 
burg and the Wilderness," by Cecil Battine, captain 15th, The 
King's Hussars; "The Battle of Gettysburg," by Rev. Jesse Bow- 
man Young, lieutenant 84th Pennsylvania Volunteers, whose book 
appeared in the spring of 1913; and "Life and Letters of Major 
General George Gordon Meade," Vol. II, Pages 63, 65, 87, 100, 105, 
109, 140. Only such authorities have been consulted as were in 
the private libraries of the editors and others close at hand. There 
are many more that could be given here. 



446 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



able to stop, but who is finally brought to a standstill. A 
fierce combat at close quarters ensues. Willard and many of 
his men are killed, but the further advance of the enemy on 
this part of the field is stayed. Barksdale has also fallen at 
the head of his brigade."^ 

"Hancock, with Hays and Gibbon, continues the original 
line along Cemetery Ridge." 

"After the affair on the right [Gulp's Hill] had been 
settled General Meade returned to his headquarters, and at 
the urgent solicitation of General Gibbon visited the latter's 
headquarters in the field just south of his own, where he 
partook of a hasty breakfast. 

"Immediately afterward he visited General Hays' Divi- 
sion and then rode down the line to Round Top, stopping on 
the way at Generals Newton's and Sedgwick's headquarters 
just before 'Pickett's charge.' "- 

"Just as this attack was commencing, after he had made 
his arrangements for the disposition of the troops to reinforce 
the line for the anticipated attack, and while he was on Power's 
Hill, or just started on his way to the front to assume im- 
mediate command, if necessary. General ]\Ieade was told by 
Capt. Dewey, who had been sent by General Hays, that the 
enemy were advancing in great force. He [Meade] at once 
dispatched two stafif officers to the left to hurry those brigades 
of the Sixth Corps, which had already been ordered up, and 
then, going straight to the front, arrived at the crest at the 
point where the enemy were making their attack, and rode 
among the batteries and troops, encouraging the men by his 
voice and presence. He remained on the ridge throughout 
the attack and until the enemy was repulsed. The reinforce- 
ments which had been concentrated were thrown in along the 
line as they were needed, and after a terrible and contracted 
struggle, culminating in a hand-to-hand encounter, the enemy 
repulsed, and driven back with heavy loss in killed, wounded 
and prisoners. During the fight General Hancock, command- 
ing the left center of the line, was severely wounded and 
taken ofif the field, as was also General Gibbon, commanding 
the Second Corps. "^ 

Upon the occasion of the dedication of the various monu- 
ments of the New York regiments that were engaged in the 
battle the orators who spoke most eloquently for the regi- 
ments of Willard's Brigade, the third of the Third Division of 
the Second Corps, had more than one reference to their fallen 

1 Page 87. 

2 Ibid, Pages 104-105. 

3 Ibid, 109. 



Gettysburg 447 

commanders. Most beautiful indeed were the addresses of 
Benjamin B. Snow for the 125th, General MacDougall for the 
I nth and Chaplain Ezra D. Simons for the 126th Regiment. 
The latter said most truthfully, among other things remem- 
bered : 

"Dreadful was the night that followed. The rain now 
fell in torrents. The densest darkness filled the woods by 
the creek, and the sad wailings of the wounded peopled the 
air with images of distress. That night given to the care of 
hundreds of suffering men — Union and Confederate mingled 
— remains a dark, dread memory. But over against the dark- 
ness of suffering was the brightness of victory, and the price 
paid in blood was none too great for the fruitage to the 
nation, and the world. Some things are even more costly, 
and they are the more prized because their price is paid in 
blood and death." 

In regard to the question raised by General Alexander 
Hays as to the command of the Second Corps records show, 
that Hancock, on being wounded, relinquished the command 
to General Gibbon, who was wounded on the same day [the 
3rd], and then the command devolved upon Brigadier General 
John C. Caldwell of the First Division by right of seniority.^ 

General Walker states that General Hancock instructed 
General Caldwell to assume command. General Meade on 
the evening of the 3rd thought it best to disturb the natural 
succession and superseded Caldwell with General William 
Hays. 

The official correspondence is appended : 

"Brigadier General S. Williams, 

"Assistant Adjutant General : 

"General — Numerous inquiries have been made as to the 
rank of the respective brigadier generals of the Second Corps 
— Generals Gibbon, William Hays, Caldwell, Alexander Hays, 
Harrow, Owens and Webb. 

"I was yesterday informed by the acting assistant 
adjutant general of the corps that, during the battles of 
Gettysburg on the 3rd of July, no less than three different 
individuals assumed command of the corps of which I was 
not before aware, as the assumption was not exercised over 
me. 

1 "History of the Second Army Corps," Page 300. 



448 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"The official announcement will save confusion here- 
after. 

"Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

"Alex. Hays, 
"Brigadier General Volunteers, 
"Commanding Third Division. 
"H. 507 [A. P.], 1863." 

"Headquarters Third Division, Second Corps, 

"July 27, 1863. 
"Alexander Hays, Brigadier General : 

"Gives names of the brigadier generals Second Corps and 
reports that no less than three individuals assumed command 
of the corps during the Battle of Gettysburg." 

"Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

"July 28th, 1863. 
"Respectfully returned. General [William] Hays has re- 
ceived the order temporarily assigning him to the command 
of the Second Corps, and it is presumed that the officers of 
his command have been so notified by him. 
"By command of Major General Meade. 

"Charles E. Pense, 
"Assistant Adjutant General. 
"Received headquarters [A. P.], July 29, 1863." 

The following letter written soon after the Battle of 
Gettysburg by Lewis H. Babcock, son-in-law of Colonel Sher- 
rill, attests the esteem the colonel had for General Hays and 
incidentally the regard of the 126th Regiment, New York 
Volunteers. The letter is a pleasing tribute to General Hays 
as an officer and a man: 

LEWIS H. BABCOCK TO GENERAL HAYS 

"Utica, N. Y., November 28, 1863. 
"Brigadier General Alexander Hays : 

"Dear Sir — Since the death of Colonel Sherrill, my wife's 
father, it has been my intention to visit the battlefield of 
Gettysburg and the Army of the Potomac with a view to 
accurately ascertain the part Colonel Sherrill performed in 
that gigantic struggle and the circumstances of his death. 
My hopes in this regard have not been realized by reason of 
the activity of the army and my professional engagements 
at times when 'all was quiet along the lines,' and a visit on 
my mission would be desirable. 

"At the request of many acquaintances and the Bureau 
of Military Statistics in this state I design to write and publish 



Gettysburg 449 

[chiefly for private and gratuitous circulation] a biographical 
sketch of the colonel. His military career will constitute its 
most interesting feature, and all information I can obtain is 
sought after for the purpose above stated. 

"The personal and official relations that existed between 
the colonel and yourself were such that the family looks to 
you for much valuable information and many interesting inci- 
dents. 

"You can well appreciate the deep interest we feel in 
everything connected with his military career, and peculiarly 
so respecting the battle in which he lost his life. May I 
trouble you to write me fully in regard to this ; also to furnish 
me with such incidents and information as you may deem 
interesting, both for the purposes above indicated and to the 
family. 

"You are able to speak more accurately and fully with 
reference to his conduct and career while under your com- 
mand than any other person ; and I trust you will remember 
the importance that attaches to whatever you may say and 
to the information you may communicate. 

"Could you, also, send me a copy of your official report 
of the Battle of Gettysburg? 

"I hope you will not be induced to abbreviate your letter 
by any inclination to give this an immediate answer or by 
the arduous duties devolving upon you, but that it may be 
your pleasure to take more time and write more fully. 

"I am gratified in stating what, I doubt not, you well 
know, that Colonel Sherrill esteemed you not only as a warm 
and valued friend, but as an officer whom he and his regi- 
ment delighted to serve; and in the family, through an ex- 
tensive circle of friends and in the section where he lived, 
you have many friends unknown to you but none the less 
admiring. 

"With sentiments of the highest respect, I am, 
"Very respectfully yours, 

"Lewis H. Babcock." 

CAPT. DAVID SHIELDS' STORY— THE THIRD DAY 

On the morning of the third day there was a comparative 
quiet on the Second Corps' line. There was some activity 
along the skirmish lines and towards noon some furious 
artillery firing by the enemy, which soon died out, and then 
an ominous quiet settled upon the field. The day was very 
hot and many officers dozed on the ground, their horses 
hitched to convenient trees. Time dragged slowly and 
I o'clock came and on the very hour two sharp, distinct 
cannon shots rang out from the enemy's lines square in our 
front. The lolling, dozing aides and waiting orderlies spring 



450 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

to their feet. Not a word is spoken. The bursting shells are 
already overhead and we hear their hissing noise. Every 
man knew instintively that these were signal guns that por- 
tended something that concerned us, and before the idea 
fairly found lodgment there was a mighty crash from the 
hundred or more guns on Seminary Ridge, and their shells 
were plunging down and exploding in our midst, creating dire 
confusion and havoc. Riderless horses were galloping madly 
through the fields, mess wagons were torn asunder, caissons 
and ammunition piles exploded, and men and horses killed 
in shocking horror. The mighty din increases as our guns 
reply, and the greatest artillery duel the world has ever known 
has burst forth in an instant. Every conceivable projectile 
from well-served artillery was rained upon us. Solid shot, 
bolts, slugs and shells spherical, conical and spiral, shrieked, 
moaned and whistled about us and were working their harvest 
of death. Our batteries were replying in kind from our twenty 
and ten-pound Parrott guns, ten-pound rifled ordnance and 
twelve-pound Napoleons. With the thunder and flashing of 
over two hundred guns the smoke gradually darkens the sky, 
and the screaming, hissing, sputtering projectiles continue to 
fall, increasing into a steady and ceaseless rain. Destruction 
is all about us. In Ziegler's Grove, where Woodruff's Battery 
is posted, the great oaks are shattered, and their heavy 
branches came crashing down upon the troops in support of 
the batterymen. The hail of the deadly missiles is incessant 
and many of the batterymen and horses are literally torn 
apart.^ 

History records that this wonderful artillery duel con- 
tinued for over an hour. I do not know how long of my own 
knowledge. I was busy throughout its whole duration and 
took no note of time, not looking at my watch or even think- 
ing of it. For me time flew. 

Between the right of the Third Division in Ziegler's Grove 
and the left of the Eleventh Corps line, Coster's Brigade of 

1 "Two or three mounted officers are seen in the assailing 
ranks, but quickly horse and rider disappear. On the Union side 
two staff officers of Hancock and one of Gibbon [Haskell] ride up 
and down the line regardless of the missiles that fly; wounded, 
frenzied horses gallop riderless to and fro; caissons are exploding; 
a fresh battery is hurried to position and its horses are shot down 
before the guns can be put in place; Hancock, Gibbon, Hays and 
staff officers by the dozen are giving messages and encouraging the 
men." — "The Battle of Gettysburg," Jesse Bowman Young, Page 353. 




General Hays' Monument, Gettysburg Battletteld, erected by the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 



Gettysburg 451 

Steinwehr's Division, posted along the cemetery wall on the 
Taneytown Road, there was a gap which later was filled with 
Robinson's Division of the First Corps. General Hays, aware 
that the terrific pounding we were getting from the enemy's 
guns would soon cease, probably within an hour, and was but 
the prelude to a charge that would endeavor to break our 
lines somewhere, was apprehensive of this weakness in our 
line. The Confederate generals with their glasses had surely 
studied our lines, and the weak places must have been known 
to them. Reasoning thus General Hays was certain that the 
attempt to break would be made on the Second Corps' line 
of the two divisions ; his own, the Third, and General Gib- 
bon's, the Second, on his left. The enemy's fire was concen- 
trating upon this line, and it was plain that it was the enemy's 
intent to demoralize the men and silence our artillery. They 
succeeded fairly well in the latter, but the infantrymen, 
crouched behind the low stone walls and lying flat on the 
ground behind what little protection they could throw up 
where the walls were down, did not suffer in proportion and 
came through fairly well. General Hays' right regiment, the 
126th New York, was posted in Ziegler's Grove, with the 
io8th New York in support of Woodruff's Battery, and all 
were suffering terribly. General Hays was deeply concerned 
about the unclosed portion of the line to our right and there- 
fore retained these regiments in this position ready to go into 
this gap. 

The right of Gibbon's Division was held by the brigade 
of General A. S. Webb. Webb's line was plainly weak; 
enough to warrant General Hays' anxiety. His own lines 
were weak, too, but he had confidence in his troops and pro- 
posed to hold his line come what may, but the gap on his 
right he knew would be sure to appeal to the enemy when 
discovered. 

" 'Dave,' " said the general to me, "go over to Webb and 
see how he is standing it." 

I rode over at once and found General Webb with his 
men in the little "copse of trees," a thick growth of thin 
chestnut oaks that rose but little above my horse's head. 
General Webb and his staff were dismounted. The ground 
around the "copse" was very rough and rocky and covered 
with brambles, and I was much concerned least my horse 



452 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

should fall and disable me. I delivered the general's com- 
pliments and asked General Webb how he was faring. He 
replied that I could see his men were in line and he was doing 
all that could be expected. His troops were suffering with 
the rest under the heavy fire. 

I asked him if he could hold the line if attacked in force, 
and he replied that he could and would. I rode back and 
reported to General Hays, who made no comment except to 
say, *'We will soon see." 

But the general was not satisfied. "Go and find General 
Hancock," he commanded, "and tell him how things are here. 
If you can't find General Hancock find General Meade and 
say we must have the gap on our right filled at once." 

I rode oflf immediately and, not being able to find General 
Hancock, rode to Meade's headquarters, then somewhat in 
the rear of the Third Division at a small house on the Taney- 
town Road. The general and his staff were hurriedly leav- 
ing. The headquarters were deserted. Nothing could live 
there. Tons of metal of various kinds seemed to be falling 
about me and the ground was strewn with dead men and dead 
and dying horses ; some men and many horses dreadfully 
mangled ; some horses on their haunches in the agonies of 
their death struggles and in other positions that showed too 
plainly the terror of the occasion. The scene around these 
headquarters was one of devastation, and my ride was a ride 
of horror as well as a futile one. 

I rode back and reported to General Hays, and it was 
clear we would have to hold the line as it was and fight it out 
if attacked. General Hays and his aides, Capt. Corts and 
myself, remained mounted in the rear of the line to stop any 
incipient panic, but there were few attempts by the men to 
leave the line. They knew a crisis was coming and were 
nerved for it, and better troops never wore the blue or any 
other color. 

When the cannonade partially ceased there was much to 
expect. The infantrymen had little to do but await events. 
The artillerymen were busy getting up ammunition. General 
H. J. Hunt, chief of artillery of the Army of the Potomac, 
was already placing his reserve batteries, some on our left 
in the rear of Arnold's and Cushing's batteries. 

Regarding the disposition of Hays' Division on the third 
day; in the main it was as the regimental monuments show 



Gettysburg 453 

along Hancock avenue, except the 8th Ohio on the skirmish 
line beyond the Emmittsburg Road, two companies of the 
4th Ohio, G and I, likewise deployed, and the remainder of 
the First Brigade under Colonel Carroll, still in front of the 
cemetery. The 126th New York held the right, with the 
io8th New York next, in the grove. The Bryan house stands 
at the edge of the grove on the left and the Bryan barn is in 
front of the house. A lane ran from the barn down to the 
Emmittsburg Road. A small one-story shack stood on the 
Bryan place near this road. It has since disappeared. Its 
position is indicated on old maps of the battlefield. The 
Bryan barn remains today. The house is somewhat changed, 
having been added to. The iiith New York occupied the 
ground about the Bryan barn and the shack was in front of 
their position. 

When the cannonade opened, by General Hays' orders 
I brought the iiith from the Bryan orchard in the rear of 
the house. A large oak still standing marked their right. 
This was about the head of the lane. The left of the iiith's 
line lapped for a few yards the right of the 12th New Jersey 
of Smyth's Brigade. The 12th New Jersey was in line with 
the I nth and the line was prolonged by the ist Delaware, 
the battalion of the 39th New York and the 14th Connecticut, 
this regiment the left of the division. In the rear of the 14th 
Connecticut was the 125th New York lapping the I4th's right 
and covering the 39th New York. The battalion of the loth 
New York under Major George F. Hopper was the division 
provost guard and was in proper position in the rear of the 
division as their duties demanded. Their monument shows 
their position also. It is in front of General Meade's eques- 
trian statue. The right regiment of Webb's Brigade was the 
71st Pennsylvania, whose line was somewhat in advance of 
the 14th Connecticut and to the left. 

Most of the way along the division lines a low stone wall 
[about knee-high] ran, in many places tumbled down. The 
men had relaid the stones and this afforded some protection 
against musketry and flying fragments of shells if the men 
lay flat on the ground. The protection of this wall had been 
greatly exaggerated, especially by Confederate writers. On 
the Third Division front it did not extend half way, and the 
right regiments in the grove and about the Bryan buildings 
had no breastworks whatever. 



454 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

The beautiful flag of the Third Division, a blue trefoil 
upon a square white field, waved from its proper point behind 
the division, where the commanding officer of the division 
was, and the brigade flags, similar to the division but with a 
triangular field, were behind the brigades and the national 
flags of the regiments were in the regimental lines. It needed 
no courier to carry to the enemy the intelligence that the 
Second Corps was there. 

With the exception of the Third Brigade, Willard's, now 
under the command of Colonel Sherrill of the 126th New 
York, the Third Division was composed of seasoned troops 
and Sherrill's men had been sufficiently seasoned the evening 
before when Colonel Willard was killed. 

There were others than General Hays who knew our lines 
were weak at the positions of the Second and Third Divisions 
of the Second Corps — in a word, Hancock's lines. Serving on 
General Gibbon's staff at the time as his personal aide was 
1st Lieut. Frank A. Haskell, formerly adjutant of the 6th 
Wisconsin Volunteers. His position on the staff of General 
Gibbon was similar in its relations to the division commander 
with mine on General Hays' staff, and our duties being iden- 
tical and frequently bringing us together, we became firm 
friends. Lieut. Haskell was a man then, I should judge, 
about thirty-five years of age, a graduate of Dartmouth 
College and a lawyer by profession, a soldier by instinct. In 
the less harrowing days after Gettysburg, as opportunity of- 
fered, he wrote a long letter to his brother which was sub- 
sequently published in pamphlet form. 

Early in 1864 Lieut. Haskell was commissioned colonel 
of the 36th Wisconsin Volunteers, and at his own request his 
regiment was assigned to Gibbon's Division. Colonel Haskell 
went to a soldier's death in the bloody assault on the enemy's 
entrenched works at Cold Harbor, Va., June 2, 1864. Even 
at this late day, over fifty years afterwards, his soldierly 
bearing, his patriotic fervor, his lovable personality, yet ap- 
peal to me, and his regard for me, then a youngster of nine- 
teen, is one of the most pleasant reminiscences of my army 
career. In 1908 the Commandery of the State of Massachu- 
setts, of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United 
States, republished this brochure of Haskell's and sent it 
broadcast over the country, within the lines of military in- 
terest. As a literary production it is a pure gem, so good, 



Gettysburg 455 

indeed, that ex-President Elliott of Harvard has placed it upon 
his celebrated "five-feet shelf." Its title is "The Battle of 
Gettysburg," and Haskell does not hesitate to tell things as 
they w^ere on Hancock's line on the afternoon of the third day. 
I shall quote his words, for he had been doing some thinking 
and had the soldierly training to foresee things as they after- 
wards happened. He says : 

"I could not help wishing all the morning that this line 
of the division of the Second Corps were stronger. It was, so 
far as numbers constitute strength, the weakest part of our 
whole line of battle. What if, I thought, the enemy should, 
make an assault here today with two or three heavy lines — 
a great overwhelming mass — would he not sweep through 
that thin six thousand? But I was not General Meade, who 
alone had power to send other troops there, and he was satis- 
fied with that part of the line."^ 

General Meade had ridden the lines that morning. It was 
generally understood that he was satisfied with them. His 
left was secure. On the extreme right on Gulp's Hill a severe 
action was then going on. Our forces here under General 
Slocum were admirably posted and entrenched, and had re- 
pulsed Johnston's Division of Ewell's Corps. This also gave 
Meade its full measure of satisfaction. His artillery com- 
manded that, too, fully, and the center could be reinforced 
quickly. Indeed, Meade spoke of all these matters with 
Hancock while on the Second Corps' line that morning. When 
the cannonade slackened it became at once apparent that the 
enemy meditated an attack. General Hancock was certain it 
would be on his line and General Hays was of the same 
opinion. 

We did not know then, for the enemy were hidden in the 
dense woods along Seminary Ridge, that they had been busy 
all forenoon with their formations for the assault. Any 
officer who has assisted in such formations can readily under- 
stand the magnitude of the work involved and the time con- 
sumed. Soon after the cannonade slackened we knew our 
work was cut out. 

From out the woods across the fields to our right oblique 
arid in our front the enemy's infantry were coming, their right 
column a mile away, their left not so far and their center still 
less. First a body of troops appeared to our right, on the edge 

1 "Battle of Gettysburg," Haskell, Page 43. 



456 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

of the town on some high ground. The timber intervening 
and some houses in the distance, with the smoke of bursting 
shells, gave us but an indistinct view of this movement. Our 
batteries in the direction of the cemetery concentrated their 
fire upon this advance of the enemy, and these troops were 
driven back and disappeared. Almost immediately the other 
formations appeared. The largest on our left and farthest 
from us. This formation was in four lines. The direction of 
their first movement was fairly concentrated on Hays' Divi- 
sion. Their line of march led over some broken ground, and 
all the while under the severe artillery fire from the batteries 
on our left which pounded the moving mass so terrifically 
that their direction tended more and more to their left, pushed 
thus by the severity of our fire. 

While this movement was in progress another command 
came out of the woods on our right and in our front in the 
same formation as the command advancing on our left. The 
direction of this second formation was rather right oblique. 
This moving column came under the fire of the same batteries 
that had driven back the first body of the enemy seen in this 
direction. Our artillery fire was disconcerting and effective, 
but was not changing the general course of this advance, as 
was the case with the movement on our left, which was still 
being crowded to their left. 

These two movements were inexplicable to us until the 
third body of the enemy came out of the woods in our immedi- 
ate front, moving right forward. Then the purpose of the 
movements became apparent, that somewhere about where 
our division skirmish line was the enemy's formation would 
come together and their right command make a right half 
wheel, the center continuing forward, the left making a left 
half wheel, the three commands thus forming a solid column 
of assault to come right forward. Such was the movement 
as we understood it when in progress. 

When we of the Second Corps first saw the advancing 
columns it was a grand sight from other than a military point 
of view. Our men were quickly alert, and when the news 
ran along the line that the enemy was advancing every eye 
could see an oncoming tide that might prove a resistless, over- 
whelming tide of sixteen thousand sturdy, resolute veterans 
— a tide that would sweep our frail lines away unless broken 



Gettysburg 457 

up and disorganized before it reached us. There was bloody- 
work ahead, and when the crash came there would come also 
the supreme effort of the battle. This was plain to all. 

With absorbing interest we watched the enemy's advance. 
To our soldier eyes it was inspiring. Our skirmish lines 
were well advanced. The enemy's skirmish lines, before their 
advance reached them, showed little puffs of smoke along its 
length, our skirmishers replying, and this faint rattle of 
musketry was first to break the ominous stillness that suc- 
ceeded the great cannonade, and awakened our thoughts to 
sterner things and dispelled the admiration with which we 
were watching the enemy's movements. Our skirmishers 
were helpless in the face of the advancing columns and had 
to come in, and as the men rose up to run they were picked 
off with surprising swiftness. 

The enemy's right column was pushed so much to the 
left that it became intermingled with the center column and 
great confusion in the formations ensued, intensified and in- 
creased by our severe artillery fire of all forms of missiles in 
use by field artillery being hurled into their midst in a stead}'- 
rain of fire. We first saw the advancing columns, a front of 
more than a half mile of dull, gray masses, "man touching 
man, rank pressing rank, and line supporting line" in admir- 
able military precision. We saw their flags waving and their 
bayonets gleaming in the sun from their guns at right shoulder 
shift. The march was rapid and the columns moved on with- 
out impediment of ditch or obstable. It was a fighting mass 
of trained soldiery and its movements magnificent — perhaps 
irresistible. 

Soon the confusion in the enemy's ranks "becomes worse 
confounded." Though their impetus is still forward, their 
formation is irretrievably broken, but the masses of men kept 
coming on to the Emmittsburg Road, which was defined on 
each side by strong post-and-rail fences that could not be 
pushed over and must be climbed. 

So far along the Second Corps' line all was still. We 
were ready. The ordinary preparations of battle had been 
made. The men had slid their cartridge boxes in front of the 
body. Now and then some examined the capped nipples. An 
occasional click of the trigger told this and the nervous ten- 



458 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

sion under which the men were laboring. There was nothing 
to do but await the crash that would soon come. 

When the charging columns reached the road our infantry- 
opened with all the vigor that they could use, adding still 
further to the enemy's confusion, and by the time the second 
fence and the one nearest to us was crossed, about one hun- 
dred and fifty yards away, there was no semblance of forma- 
tion remaining, only a great mass of desperate men pushing 
on, the color-bearers keeping well to the front. There was 
no rebel yell — their usual charging shout was lacking. 

Now, the less courageous are seen to be halting and men 
are going back, and the wounded also. The enemy's advance 
under the fire of our whole division front and the 8th Ohio 
on their left was checked. Their volleys, which at first had 
played deadly havoc with our artillerymen, were no longer 
effective. Their fire becomes desultory and scattered. Many 
of the enemy were holding up their empty hands in token of 
submission. Others lay down on the ground with the dead 
and the wounded, and as our fire slackened many were com- 
ing into our lines with their hands lifted up, some in half- 
stooping postures, and there were many regimental colors 
on the ground where they had fallen. Those men who had 
been towards the rear were drifting back, some facing about 
when they had loaded and firing at us as long as in range.^ 

The men of the Third Division individually ran out when 
the assault was seen to have failed and were picking up the 
enemy's colors on the ground, passing the streams of the 
enemy coming in to surrender, paying no attention to them. 
The enemy were careful to drop their colors and took no 
chances of being shot with them in their hands, and our men 
brought in these colors as spoils of victory justly won, for 
those who had but a few moments before waved them in our 



1 "The breathless victors, intoxicated with success beyond all 
expectation, chased them out of position and kept up a random fire 
on the retreating mass; for Pettigrew's and Trimble's men, mingling 
with the Virginians, tried to reach the shelter of Seminary Ridge 
by the shortest path. Some of the bravest of them retreated more 
slowly, facing about and firing at intervals, but the majority of the 
survivors had lost all military formation. In groups of blood- 
stained fugitives they emerged from the dust and smoke, rushing 
back in a disorderly stream through the Confederate batteries close 
where Lee had taken up his position to watch the attack." — "The 
Crisis of the Confederacy," Battine, Page 271. 



Gettysburg 459 

faces were now a retreating mob or prisoners of war in our 
midst. 

The assault at the time seemed to have culminated in the 
Third Division front, and from the number of prisoners and 
flags taken by the Third Division we knew it did. This brings 
us to the question of direction. We of Hays' Division have 
always contended that Ziegler's Grove was to be the striking 
point of the enemy. It was a better point, both of vantage 
and, from the view of a landmark, more prominent than the 
copse of trees on Webb's left, then mere saplings and on a 
low ground. Now, in the growth of half a century naturally 
prominent, but then inconspicuous in comparison with the 
heavy timber of Ziegler's Grove. The copse of trees has been 
taken generally as the guiding point of Pickett's movements, 
and here the collision occurred between him and Gibbon. 
Pickett's troops at this point were all his own we have since 
learned, and it is not contradicted, and these composed the 
brigades of Garnett, Kemper and Armistead, and these were 
all the enemy's troops in the Second Corps' front on Gibbon's 
line. On Hays' front among the twenty or more flags cap- 
tured by Hays' Division were flags of both Pettigrew's and 
Pender's Divisions and one of Pickett's. Excluding Wilcox's, 
of the nine other brigades in the assault six were immediately 
in Hays' front, viz., the brigades of Brockenbrough, Davis, 
Pettigrew's own brigade, Archer's of Pettigrew's Division 
and Lane's and Scale's of Pender's Division. One of the flags 
taken by the 8th Ohio was from Armistead's Brigade of 
Pickett's Division. From the fact that these standards were 
taken in Hays' front the assertion is indisputable that the 
men were there with their colors, and in greater force than 
on Hays' left. The contention is that Pickett's Brigades on 
the right of the moving columns, harassed by the enfilading 
artillery fire that came from Round Top and our batteries on 
that flank, and the incessant and deadly musketry fire in front 
and on his right flank, in desperation rushed forward to break 
the line and save themselves if they could. They could not 
go back with any more safety than forward. The other parts 
of the assaulting columns came on, as they understood the 
guiding point and massed [in confusion, as has been stated] 
in front of Hays' line and without getting to it. 

Today the stately timber of Ziegler's Grove and its com- 



460 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

manding position appeal to an observer on Lee's line on what 
is now known as West Confederate Avenue. On that line 
one naturally searches for the copse of trees to find it. The 
grove and its tall oaks, stately and commanding, impress 
one as he surveys the position from the Confederate position 
in its front, and only the lower portion of the grove is visible, 
that part on the slope east of the Bryan house. At the time 
of the battle the trees here were thick and gave the appear- 
ance of a clump. They were sufficiently thick to afford a dis- 
tinctive landmark and a point of direction that would loom 
up in more prominence than the thin saplings in the copse. 

Brigadier General Clinton D. MacDougall of Auburn, N. Y., 
at the time of the battle colonel of the iiith New York of 
Willard's Brigade, the Third of Hays' Division, has always 
held to this opinion, and in his researches and speeches, and 
in the story of the battle, has maintained what General Hays' 
men knew at the time, that our commanding position, which 
was strongly assaulted, was the point on which the Second 
Corps' line was to be broken, and not the point on our left, 
the so-called "High-Water Mark," where history states it was 
broken. As I did not see the break I cannot, of course, 
testify to the circumstances of it. We do know we were busy 
on Hays' line, not only holding the enemy in check, but re- 
pulsing him — driving him in disorder, taking his colors, a 
score or more, and prisoners by the hundreds — and this re- 
pulse was by General Alexander Hays' Third Davision alone. 
No reinforcements came to General Hays from the Second 
Corps or any other corps, and of his division he had here in 
line but two brigades, or eight regiments, Carroll's Brigade, 
the First, remaining to help Howard hold his position in front 
of the cemetery, except the 8th Ohio and two companies of 
the 4th Ohio, left on the skirmish line. 

Accepting the fact that the flags captured by General 
Hays' men are an index of the organizations that were in his 
front, there can be no dispute as to the forces that Hays' 
Division repulsed. 

When the Confederate skirmishers came briskly forward, 
the charging columns in mass following, the skirmishers of 
the Second Corps who had stood silent and motionless 
through all the terrible artillery fire began a sputtering fire 
and to slowly retire upon the main line, fighting as they could. 



Gettysburg 461 

Not so the two companies of the 4th Ohio and the 8th 
Ohio, well to the front across the Emmittsburg Road, under 
the command of Lieut. Colonel Sawyer. The charging lines 
actually passed Sawyer, leaving him in the rear. He assem- 
bled his men and charged front forward upon the left com- 
pany, which gave him an enfilading fire upon the left of Petti- 
grew's Division, and he poured his volleys into the enemy, 
which fell, with telling effect. Colonel Sawyer brought in 
with him two flags as trophies, both taken by Company G of 
the 8th Ohio. These were the flags of the 34th North Caro- 
lina and the 38th Virginia, the former regiment of Scales* 
Brigade of Pender's Division, and the latter of Armistead's 
of Pickett's Division. Armistead fell within General Webb's 
line on General Hays' left, as the marker now on the field 
shows. How came Armistead's men so far to their left? This 
alone shows how inextricably mixed the Confederate columns 
became under our fire. 

Other flags came as trophies to Hays' Division. Two 
were taken by the ist Delaware, those of the 7th North Caro- 
lina and the 13th Alabama, the former of Lane's Brigade of 
Pender's Division ; the latter of Archer's Brigade of Petti- 
grew's. The 14th Connecticut, Hays' left regiment, brought 
in four colors, those of the ist Tennessee [Provisional], the 
14th Tennessee, both of Archer's Brigade; the 52nd North 
Carolina of Pettigrew's own brigade, and the i6th North 
Carolina of Scale's Brigade of Pender's Division. The 12th 
New Jersey took a flag without inscription. The 39th New 
York took two flags — one without inscription, the other had 
inscribed on it, "Manassas, Seven Pines [Fair Oaks], Gaines' 
Mill and Malvern Hill." The 126th New York took two flags 
— ^one without inscription, the other among other battles, 
"Harpers' Ferry," indicating that the regiment had been op- 
posed to the 126th New York in that mournful affair. 

It is true that General Hays directed me to deliver to 
Webb's aid six flags from those taken by Hays' troops. I 
don't remember whether these flags were inscribed or not. 

To recapitulate the flags from the known organizations 
opposed to Hays' Division on the third day there were three 
from Archer's, one from Lane's, one from Pettigrew's, two 
from Scales' and one from Armistead's, or flags from six 
brigades. Brockenbrough's and Davis' Divisions were also 
in General Hays' direct front, making eight brigades of the 



462 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

enemy opposed to Hays' two brigades in line and the 8th Ohio 
and the two companies of the 4th Ohio in the advanced posi- 
tion on the Emmittsburg Road. Pickett's three brigades, all 
accounts state, were in Gibbon's front. It is fair to assume 
that some of Armistead's command must have been with the 
colors captured by Colonel Sawyer's men. 

When the Confederates had retreated in groups, squads 
and singly in their retreat, a few men turned here and there, 
keeping up a hot though desultory fire upon General Hays* 
front. General Hays received no reinforcements. The gap to 
his right was filled with Robinson's Division of the First 
Corps, Baxter's his left brigade. These troops began firing 
upon a body of the enemy away to our left, which we subse- 
quently learned were the retreating brigades of Wilcox and 
Perry. 

General Webb told General Hays in my presence that the 
enemy had broken through his lines. He spoke excitedly. 
General Hays replied briefly, but with curt emphasis, that 
they did not get to his, and there was nothing more said about 
breaks. 

During the cannonade preceeding Longstreet's assault 
and while it was in progress, Zeigler's Grove and the position 
of the Third Division were in the range of the Whitworth 
battery away on the Confederate left, and these terrible mis- 
siles, with their wierd, unearthly screech continued to drop 
in the grove and around us, the most disconcerting artillery 
fire to which we were ever subjected. 

When the enemy came up in our front there were no 
mounted oflficers and I saw none after they crossed the 
Emmittsburg Road. I have read it stated by General Long- 
street that General Pickett "finding the battle broken while 
the enemy were still reinforcing, called the troops ofif." It 
would be interesting to me to know how Pickett called, from 
what point and whether he was mounted or afoot. It is 
plain yet that Pettigrew's men did not hear the call. They 
knew when to go back and went — those that could. Many 
of these as stated would about face and fire back, taking 
deliberate aim, in sullen anger as it were. It was a dis- 
ordered and disorganized mob that retreated from General 
Hays' front. If they went back to the ridge from whence 
they emerged in any assemblance of form, it was after they 



Gettysburg 463 

were out of our musketry range, and their batteries were 
again playing upon our position to cover their retreat. 

When the enemy were retiring from our division front 
I rode out to the Emmittsburg Road and noted the effects 
of our fire, particularly around the small frame house, the 
shack that stood on the Bryan place near the road. It has 
long since been removed. Around this house the dead lay 
in appalling numbers, and within and behind the house were 
many wounded and the dead who had crawled there for 
shelter, to die of their wounds. This house was about in 
the center of the front of Hays' Division, and here was 
ample evidence of the deadly and continuous fire of the 
division. 

General MacDougall is authority for the statement that 
twenty-three captured flags lay in front of a tent put up in 
the rear of the position of the iiith New York after the 
repulse. General Hays' family have preserved two receipts 
from captain E. P. Brownson, Assistant Adjutant General 
of the Second Corps for fifteen flags. General Webb was 
given six, hence two must have been concealed by the men 
who took them. It has never been ascertained where these 
colors went. These "Rebel" flags were mostly home-made 
affairs like a bed spread, of pieces of muslin sewed together, 
and even flannel, calico and muslin together. Torn by 
battle, dirty, and cheap looking, no wonder our boys de- 
signated them "rebel rags." The inscriptions were made 
by sewing on the letters. Some were more pretentious ; 
when new, no doubt more agreeable to view. Some had a 
regimental designation only. Seven had the names of battles 
inscribed on them including among them Frazier's Farm, 
Malvern Hill, Manassas [Second Bull Run], Sharpsburg 
[Antietam], Harper's Ferry, Fredericksburg and Chancellors- 
ville. In most of these battles either General Hays himself 
or some of his troops had been opposed to the organizations 
from whom these flags were taken. 

One flag accredited to Hays' Division must be noted as 
not belonging to any of the charging columns as that of the 
2ist North Carolina, captured by the 14th Indiana the pre- 
ceding evening in the repulse of Early's assault on East 
Cemetery Hill, the regiment from which it was taken belong- 
ing to Hoke's Brigade of Early's Division of Ewell's Corps. 
This flag was turned in and receipted for with the rest, which 



464 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

would make twenty-two from Pender, Pettigrew and Pickett 
taken by Hays' Third Division. 

Among the Confederate generals directly opposed to the 
Second Corps were many old friends of General Alexander 
Hays, both in his West Point days, in the old army and in 
Mexico — Longstreet, A. P. Hill, Pickett, Wilcox and Garnett, 
especially well known to him. General Hays talked often of 
his former comrades then in the Confederate armies, and it 
was as a source of intense satisfaction that he revelled in our 
victory and in the Third Division of the Second Corps that 
victory had a thrilling climax — a celebration both impromptu 
and unique. Webb's aid had taken the six flags turned over 
to him and rode away without answering General Hays' 
abrupt question, "If Webb captured them, how in the hell did 
I get them?" And this question has never been answered. 
Webb had no shadow of a claim to these flags and his credit 
for them came from General Hays' generosity. 

The incident I am about to relate is also a flag incident, 
but of another nature and sufficiently striking and unusual 
to find a place in history and at the time to attract the atten- 
tion of the commander-in-chief of the Army of Northern 
Virginia. Flushed with the glory of our victory, in the ex- 
huberance of that great joy that comes from such a victory, 
looking upon the trophies of war, the most valuable trophies 
that can be taken from an enemy, their standards — while still 
in the hands of their captors — when the enemy were retreat- 
ing in disorder and confusion, the general exclaimed, "Boys, 
give me a flag." The Rebel color was handed him. He then 
commanded his adjutant general, Capt. George P. Corts, 
and myself, saying, "Get a flag, Corts ; get a flag, 'Dave,' and 
come on." We each took a flag and the general immediately 
dropped his flag behind his horse and trailed it in the dust 
and blood of the battlefield. Capt. Corts and I did likewise, 
and we started on the grandest ride men ever took. Over the 
ground which the enemy had so proudly charged but a few 
moments before there were here and there companies, squads 
and groups, scarcely any having with them regimental colors, 
yet keeping up a brisk and not ineffectual fire upon their 
triumphant adversaries, their artillery also dropping shells 
upon our position to cover their retreat. 

We rode in the rear of our division line to the right flank 



Gettysburg 465 

of the I nth New York, then down the whole front of the 
division, turning at the left of the 14th Connecticut and then 
to the place of beginning, the men of the Third Division 
throwing their caps high in air as we rode along, cheering 
lustily in their exhuberance, showing their admiration for 
their glorious division commander, some men dancing in their 
delirium of their joy, others hugging their comrades in close 
embrace, wild with the exultation of victory. 

There were times when we had to weave in and out in 
our course to avoid riding over wounded Rebels and even 
prisoners still coming in and going to our rear. 

These men, enemies at that, could but admire so intrepid 
a commander as General Hays, though at the time feeling 
most keenly the insult to their colors. All the time of this 
most exhilarating ride the bullets of the sullen and defiant 
enemy came sputtering about us and overhead. These were 
the only moments in action I never felt fear. My horse 
seemed to be off the ground traveling through the air. I felt 
though a shot as large as a barrel should hit me in the back 
it would be with no more effect than shooting into a fog bank. 

On return to our starting point the colors thus dishonored 
were returned to the troops who had captured them. This 
is a feature- of the battle most historians have neglected and 
Gettysburg guides and pamphlet-makers know nothing of. A 
Confederate general, E. P. Alexander, makes special mention 
of it. He distinctly remembers the cheering was loud enough 
to be heard by him and General Lee, who was near him, and 
that General Lee directed a young officer, Lieut. Colson of 
Alexander's staff, to ride to the front and find out the cause 
of the cheering, and the officer did so, and returned with the 
information that the "Federals were cheering an officer riding 
along their line."^ 

To General Hays and the men of his division these cap- 
tured flags were but the emblems of disunion. He and the 
men under him could conceive of no better fate than to 
trample them under foot and trail them in the dust as evidence 
of utter disdain, both for the flags and themselves for the 
cause they represented. Capt. Corts and myself shared this 
feeling fully as we followed our general, and entered into the 

1 "Military Memoirs of a Confederate," E. P. Alexander, P. 426. 



466 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

spirit of the aflfair with equal zest and equal enthusiasm, join- 
ing the plaudits of the gallant men of the Third Division as 
we rode the line in glorious celebration of our victory and in 
the moments of victory when the spur of such moments 
elates and overjoys. Only General Alexander Hays could 
have inspired such a battle scene. The years have rolled 
away past half a century, but from out their dimness comes 
ever the fond remembrance of that wonderful ride at Gettys- 
burg when the beaten enemy had recoiled in broken and dis- 
ordered ranks sought again the protection of the friendly 
woods and their masked batteries along Seminary Ridge, our 
gallant general leading, his aides following at a fast gait, the 
trailing flags, the resounding cheers of the enthusiastic 
troops, the spirit of victory that animated us — in all the story 
of the war there comes to me nothing like it. 

The lines of the Third Division were held with firmness. 
There was no break anywhere and no leaving the line by the 
troops. They were as steady as the monuments that now 
mark the positions they so gallantly held. I recall Colonels 
Willard and Sherrill and Lieut. Woodrufif who passed to glory 
there ; I can see Carroll's 8th Ohio, under Lieut. Colonel 
Sawyer, hanging onto the enemy's flanks; Colonel Carroll 
with the balance of his brigade driving the enemy from the 
broken lines of Howard ; I can see General Alexander Hays 
under heavy fire, with his orderlies and the division flag 
riding the line ; I can see the complete repulse of the enemy 
and their disordered retreating masses ; I can see General 
Hays victoriously trailing the emblems of treason on the now 
hallowed ground. Shall history fail to keep in bright renown 
this story of General Alexander Hays and the Third Division 
of the Second Corps at Gettysburg? There is due them their 
just measure of honor and for General Hays, their superb 
commander, that undying fame his talents and his deeds — 
yes, his heroic death — have won. 

In the story of Alexander Hays and the Third Division 
at Gettysburg there is but one commanding thought, and that 
is Victory, 



Gettysburg 



467 



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7 CHAPTER XVI. 

AFTER GETTYSBURG — EFFORTS FOR PROMOTION 

IN THE rapid movements of the Army of the Potomac in 
the pursuit of Lee's force there was little opportunity for 
writing and as little for the forwarding of mail. After 
August ist the correspondence of the general becomes regular 
again and his letters are of absorbing interest. There was 
some fighting to tell of, and the general is as justly proud of 
his New York boys as they are of him. He nicknamed them 
"The Blue Birds," a cheerful sort of a name, from the blue 
trefoil, their division badge. 

The general's influential friends in Pittsburgh and in the 
state were constant and untiring in their efforts to secure his 
promotion, and their efforts bore fruit — in a manner — after 
he had passed to immortality from the battle line. 

This chapter is one of the most characteristic of the many 
groups into which the letters have been divided covering the 
different epochs of his service. The visit of Mrs. Hays and 
her sister form a pleasant break in the monotony of the period 
and the general's furlough another. No less pleasing is the 
sword presentation. 

After Mine Run the winter passed away without much 
of an exciting nature, with the exception of the action at 
Morton's Ford in February, where the general lost his faith- 
ful aide, Capt. Shields, who had been with him from the first 
service of the 63rd Regiment, and for a time the captain's 
life hovered in the balance, so grievous was his wound, but 
he "pulled through," in the parlance of the army, and for over 
fifty years has longed for his old general and sorrowed over 
his death.^ 

1 For an epitome of the service of General Alexander Hays' 
original brigade from the date he took command, January 9, 1863, 
to May 5, 1864, date of General Hays' death, see Appendix G. 

470 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 471 



GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Headquarters Third Division, Second Army Corps, 

"July 27th, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"I will write with scarcely a hope that this will reach you. 

"Since last Sunday we have had no mails, but we do not 
expect them until we become more settled. We have been 
kept on almost daily marches, and, as there has been much 
rain, it has been fatiguing and uncomfortable. Capt. Thomp- 
son is sick and probably will go to Washington. I then hope 
you will receive this, as also one full pay account, if it can be 
safely arranged. 

"Kennedy has never reported a word to us. Do not there- 
fore know except from irregular report what we have lost. 
Of one thing I am satisfied, that General [J. E. B.] Stuart of 
the Rebel cavalry, has my new coat.^ 

"Do not be too anxious for us at home. All are well and 
you have cause to be thankful for the past. 

"Corts and Shields are both writing. Love to all and say 
to friends that we are all well enough provided for with 
horses not to sufifer. 

"Corts has 'Kirkwood' and I have taken 'Secesh' out of 
the team. She makes a noble war steed. 

"God bless you all — as soon as possible I will write long 
letter^. 

"Your husband. 



"Alex. 



GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 



"Elktown, Va., August 2, 1863. 

"Dear Sir — This location needs development, otherwise 
you will not know whence it comes. It is four miles from 
Warrenton Junction,- Orange and Alexandria Railroad, and 
ten from Kelly's Ford on the Rappahannock. 

"I reached here with my division from Morrisville yes- 
terday and am picketing and protecting our front towards 
Fredericksburg. The weather is most intensely hot, but my 
command is in good health and spirits. As for further opera- 
tions I am entirely in the dark. 

"A new organization, no doubt, will be shortly effected, 
and General Howard will command this corps. July 27th is 
the date of the last from you or from home.^ 

1 He had. 

2 The itinerary shows that the division arrived at Warrenton 
Junction on the 26th and remained three days and inarched thence 
to Elk Run. 

3 A typical camp rumor, never verified. About this time 
Howard's Corps, the Eleventh, and Hooker's, the Twelfth, were sent 
to Grant at Chattanooga. 



472 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"It would give me a great deal of pleasure to take your 
letters and answer them in regular order, but I find but little 
time. Yesterday's operations are a specimen of my almost 
daily labors. 

"I arose at 4 o'clock A. M. Saw my column marching 
at 6. Marched nine miles, posted a picket about ten miles 
long under the most intense sun I ever experienced, and as a 
sequence was used up entirely. I have good aides, but see 
to everything personally. 

"The mail must leave very shortly and my time is limited. 
I will, however, write tomorrow and to Annie. I have for- 
warded and will send you my official report, which, however, 
must not be published until announced officially. 

"I sent home my Toledo sword, which I hope you will 
receive. I will also send Alden's flagstaff. 

"I would like to have my horse, 'Leet,' back, but know 
not how to get him. We are all well, Corts and Shields. Give 
my regards to friends and love to all at home. I will send to 
each little one a badge of the Third Division, Second Corps, 
More tomorrow. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex." 



GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp at Elk Run, Va., August 3, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"I wrote yesterday, unsatisfactorily, to your father and 
promised to write again today should we remain in this posi- 
tion. I have written as frequently as I could, but whether 
my letters have been received is a question. Many written 
from home have either fallen into the hands of the Rebs or 
are otherwise left by the wayside. It is over a week since I 
received a line. Then, as we were marching through War- 
renton, I was made glad, with several from you, your father 
and others. 

"It is very probable that the letter I wrote yesterday will 
not reach its destination, as I fear our mail carrier is a 
prisoner to 'the guerrillas,' as he has not been heard from 
since he left. The region in which we are is very 'secesh' and 
'guerrillas' abound. 

"I do not know that I have anything to communicate 
which will interest you, except that we are all in good health 
and have something to eat, with appetites which are omniv- 
erous. Still, I long to sit down once more to a table at home, 
where all are around. 

"Captain Thompson left for Washington yesterday on 
sick leave. I sent by him one pay account, $300, which he 
will send forward to you. I have heard nothing satisfactory 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 473 

from Kennedy, but suppose if he did not permit my money, 
as other things, to fall into the hands of the Rebs, that the 
money is all spent before this time and I can whistle for re- 
payment. 

"I will send, as soon as I get a good opportunity, Alden's 
flagstaff. I now enclose for each baby a badge of the division. 
If they desire to display the flag, then procure a piece of white 
bunting, nearly square, bearing in the center the blue trefoil. 

"I must write to Powell for another coat, but believe I 
will wait to see if Mr. Lincoln will not change the style. 

"I will write no more in this letter until I hear from the 
carrier, as I do not care to waste time, and paper on Rebs. 

"Regards to friends and love to all at home. I will write 
frequently if shortly. ..your husband, 

"Alex. 

"i2 O'clock M. 

"My carrier has returned, but leaves again, with an escort, 
for another mail. 

"I do not wish you at home to distress yourselves at all 
about my ills or ailings. I am in excellent health. Will write 
tomorrow and say that I will send to Gettysburg for my horse 
'Leet.' He must 'try it again' and then he may go on the 
retired list. 

"God bless you all. "Alex" 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Elktown, Va., August 4, 1863. 
"Dear Sir: 

"In the cool of the morning [for it is too infernal hot at 
midday to do anything except breathe] I have procured an 
old stump of a pen and am 'going it' on a promised letter to 
you. I wrote yesterday to Annie [God bless her] and sent 
the juvenile Hayses each a division badge; also two extra 
ones intended for the Murphys.^ 

"I have received a few of your letters and written many 
of scraps, but fear our communications have been so inter- 
rupted that they have failed to reach. Yours are always most 
acceptable. In fact, letters from home are my only luxury. 
I wrote a long letter to dear mother, but have no notice of its 
reception, if the letter was lost; the love which I expressed 
therein was not lost. I hold the original in a still unbroken 
but battered human casket, and it is hers without demand. 
And I owe this to her prayers. 

"If I could I would answer your letters in detail and have 
done so as far as possible. It may be we will remain, as we 
have been for the last three days in a state of semi-inaction, 
which means playing picket. 

1 Nephews. 



474 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"My line extends for ten miles and it is necessary to 
visit all points frequently, besides keeping a constant super- 
vision over my entire command. You can suppose I have 
but little time to spare. When I do get leisure I require it 
to get rest and recuperate. I do not suffer from any of my 
disabilities, and it would please me if you at home would not 
distress yourselves about them. 

"At Gettysburg the hearing of one ear was entirely 
paralyzed, but it is now perfectly recovered and gives sound 
like a silver bell. My eye is very dim, but I get along ex- 
cellently with the other, which is bright as a [paste] diamond. 
The old shinbone does much better than the wooden leg, 
which many of the men suppose I carry.^ 

"Has Annie told you my dancing feats at Centreville i* 
In the matter of horses, in which you are so much concerned, 
we have Kirkwood's ; he is a good one, but a devil. I have 
assigned him to Corts, and we will send to 'Archie'^ his value. 
It was fortunate we got him in time, otherwise I believe he 
would have been lost or ruined. Shields has good horses 
from the government. For my own use I have unlimited 
numbers such as they are. Some time since I took for my 
own team my captured mare, 'Secessia.' Though as ugly as 
sin she proves to be a trump. Her tread and bearings are 
much like 'Dan's' and she has no competitor in speed, although 
the horse has to know her rider. 

"I believe I never related the particulars of good old 
Daniel's death. About an hour before the melancholy event 
I was riding him through Kirby's Battery,^ a shell or shot 
struck his fore shoe, tears off the shoe and a good portion of 
the hoof. I sent him at once to the farrier to have his foot 
protected. He had just returned when that 'infernal' cannon- 
ading began. As we dashed up the hill to the front a solid 
shot whistled by us, and as poor 'Dan' turned towards us as 
if to ask why he, for the first time, was to be left behind, the 
ball pierced him through the heart and he died without a 
struggle. The same shot cut the throat of Shields' horse. 

"It gives me great pleasure that the folks at home are 
satisfied with our doings at Gettysburg. The New Yorkers 
are, apparently, as much interested, in the case of our own 
people in giving the devil his dues. They must recollect that 
we were, for the first time, fighting for our own sake on our 
own soil. I am not very imaginative, but through the roar 

1 The reference is to the general's leg and the bad eye dates 
from the terrible days on the Peninsula and was the cause of much 
suffering then. 

2 Archie, Colonel Kirkwood's brother. 

3 Battery I, First U. S. Artillery, then under the command of 
Lieut. Woodruff, killed at Gettysburg, Lieut. Edmund Kirby having 
died May 28th of wounds received at Chancellorsville. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 475 

and smoke of the 3rd of July I could see 'Kenridge'^ and its 
inhabitants and what would be a consequence of our defeat. 
I felt as ironclad as if protected by railroad iron. If disaster 
had befallen us there I could never have faced my friends 
again. 

"Regards to friends and love to all our tribe. I will write 
often. 

"Yours, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Headquarters Third Division, Second Corps. 

"Elktown, Va., August 8, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"I wrote to Agnes yesterday a long letter and promised 
to write to you today. I fear, however, that yours will be 
shorter than I intended, as I and 'Dave' must 'on with the 
tartan' and ride to headquarters. Then we will be all day 
occupied in locating our regiments along our line of defense 
extending ten or twelve miles. 'Dave' is my shadow, while 
Corts stays at home attending to official business. 

"I have written and informed you that I sent my last 
month's pay account to Washington to be forwarded to you. 
You will remember that I gave you at Centreville two hun- 
dred, and Kennedy was to furnish one hundred more. Your 
last requisition for five hundred, I am fearful, will fall short; 
my whole pay for three months falls short of nine hundred 
dollars. Five and three is eight, and eight from nine leaves 
one hundred for me. But you did not, I suppose, receive the 
one hundred from Kennedy. I have had no word from Ken- 
nedy and know not whether I have lost all entrusted to him 
or not. His action is very singular and must be accounted 
for. I have not had one cent in money about me for more 
than two months. Shields is purveyor and attends to expen- 
ditures. 

"I have sent for 'Leet' and suppose he will cost me over 
fifty dollars before his bill is paid. I thought I was ruined, 
in horseflesh, with my disasters at Gettysburg, but if 'Leet' 
returns well I can get through another fight. I have taken 
'Secessia' out of the team and she gives great satisfaction — 
unmatched for courage, breath and speed. 

"No letters lately from home, but they will come. It is 
probable that we will remain here for some time to reorganize 
and await conscripts.^ One detachment of fifty arrived 
yesterday. 

1 The Hays home, Centre avenue, Pittsburgh. 

2 Drafted men as distinguished from volunteer recruits. 



476 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"I can write no more now, but will write to someone to- 
morrow. 

"Regards to friends and love to all at home. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex. 

"P. S. — Say to Miss Johnston^ that I am indignant at her 
failure to forward that photograph. In Agnes' last she refers 
to a former letter which did not arrive, but I understand her 
reference to a quotation — 

"Then tendered with pity and remorse. 
He sorrowed o'er the expiring horse; 
I little thought when first thy rein, 
I slacked upon the banks of Seine, 
That Highland Eagle e'er should feed, 
On thy fleet limbs, my matchless steed. "2 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"In Camp, Elktown, Va., 
August loth, 1863. 
''Dear Sir: 

"Wrote yesterday to Annie. No letters from home ex- 
cept one from her, a very small one — three pages of note 
paper. Omitting the fourth on the plea that she must take 
the brood to church for Thanksgiving.^ She did not get many- 
thanks from me. 

"We are still here, with the thermometer ranging from 
one to one thousand. My command is in good health, much 
improved by a rest and a chance to cook rations properly. 

"This morning Shields and I took a skeedaddle tramp 
through the country to the rear and front of the command 
to look after widows and orphans, as enjoined by the rules 
of the order,* to which I belong. We found nothing but 
widows and orphans, 'according to their own account,' and 
found many almost starving. God help them, for I violate 
orders when I furnish them aid. But how can a man expect 
women and children to take the oath of allegiance? 

"I would rather fight the men of the Southern Confed- 
eracy than be left to feed their women and children. 

"After our ride our time was very limited. Pleased you 

1 Sister of ex-Governor William F. Johnston of Pennsylvania. 

2 "Lady of the Lake," Canto I, 9. 

3 Special Thanksgiving Day proclaimed by the President. There 
were many of these during the war. 

4 The Masonic order, the general being a consistent member. 
Allegheny, Pa., January 10, 1905. Gilbert A. Hays, Esq.: Dear Sir 
and Brother — The records of Allegheny Lodge No. 223, F. & A. M., 
show Alexander Hays' petition for initiation and membership was 
approved April 9, 1856. Received First Degree April 16, 1856. Re- 
ceived Second Degree May 28, 1856. Received Third Degree August 
16, 1856. Fraternally yours, [Signed] Archy F. Toy, Secretary. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 477 

got the 'Toledo Blade,'^ and I hope you will receive Alden's 
flagstaff, which I sent some days ago. I have trophies for the 
little fellows, but no opportunity to send them home. I think 
I will enclose a breastpin for Martha, as her mother says she 
is not well. It is the last button off 'Dan's' bridle, which he 
wore when he died, 

"I have sent a special messenger for 'Leet' and expect 
him daily. It will cost me a hundred dollars to get him back. 
Then, with 'Secessia' and 'Leet,' I can dare the field. She is 
the most spirited devil I ever rode, ugly as sin, no one can 
touch her on the road. 

"I cannot account for Kennedy's^ conduct. He has, or 
had, in charge for me over five hundred dollars, but he has 
never reported. If I have lost this I am poor indeed. But 
no matter, I 'have never cried for spilt milk' in my life and 
won't now. 

"I think the drafting of James one of the most infamous 
dodges to extort money ever practiced, and if I live to see 
Dr. Simpson^ he shall know my opinion of it. I would have 
appealed and referred the case to somebody except a horse 
doctor, and I must say a darned poor horse doctor at that. 
It is infamous. But I am getting indignant and must not 
swear. 

"We will have no fighting for some time [two months, 
perhaps] to come. We are receiving conscripts, fifty arrived 
out of one hundred and seventeen started, and today we are 
required to send for a hundred and sixty more. Now is the 
day and hour to strike the fatal blow. We have not, at least 
I have, but little confidence in our commander. The science 
of war has been played out and we want a man who, under 
the guidance of common sense, will give us hard knocks, for 
we can beat them at that if we cannot at strategy.* Love to 
all. "Yours sincerely, 

"Alex. 

1 Celebrated for the amusing letters of "Petroleum V. Nasby," 
written by David R. Locke, the editor, much appreciated by Lincoln 
and full of caricature of the Confederacy. 

2 Kennedy was captured and his captors got all the funds he had 
with him. The general's new coat was confiscated and given to 
General J. E. B. Stuart. General Stuart afterwards sent word, with 
thanks, to General Hays that the coat fit him exactly, and as the 
commander of the forces that captured the cash regarded it, as well 
as the coat, "contraband of war," is supposed to have kept the cash 
also. It, too, fit. 

3 Dr. R. B. Simpson was surgeon of the United States Board of 
Enrollment, of which board Capt. J. Herron Foster, provost marshal 
of the post of Pittsburgh; W. H. Campbell, commissioner; Charles W. 
McHenry and George W. Murphy, deputy provost marshals, were 
members. Dr. Simpson was a man never accused of gentleness, 
either in manner, speech or action. If he and General Hays had 
chanced to meet it would have been a case of Greek meeting Greek. 
James B. McFadden is referred to as being drafted. 

* He came in the spring in the person of U. S. Grant. 



478 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"Corts has Kirkwood's horse and he is a rousing devil. 
The money for him will be sent to Archie. All are well. 

"Corts has a pair of boots at Perry's.^ Will you see that 
they are sent to him at once? We will send the essential at 
the first opportunity." 

KENNEDY TURNS UP 

"Washington, D. C, August 13, 1863. 
*'Dear General : 

"As Colonel MacDougall is going out tomorrow I will 
endeavor to write a few lines to you. 

"I am still confined to my room and leave it only when 
obliged to or crawl down to get a little fresh air, but sufifer 
at times intense pain in consequence. Within the last four 
days I have taken an immense quantity of opium and tincture 
of iron. I have had but four hours' sleep during three days. 
The effects of the opium keeps me awake at first and after- 
wards to make me so nervous as to render sleep impossible, 
I cannot as yet eat anything to give me strength. Dr. Allen 
says I am getting along just as fast as possible under my 
present physical prostration, but I get so despondent and low 
spirited at times as to make me feel like cutting my throat. 

"August 14th. This morning's paper says that Mr. 
Cowan^ arrived last night. I am going to write him today 
about a major generalship I know of. I hope [at least in 
matters political] you have confidence enough in me to believe 
I will do matters discreetly. General, there is no use of being 
mealy-mouthed about these matters. Positive merit does not 
get rewarded in things military more than in any other 
service, and if political influence has to be used in order to 
advance talent and reward distinguished and long service it 
ought to be so exerted. 

"Now, what in heaven's name has Warren done of one- 
half the value to the government in the way of service com- 
pared to what you have endured in two wars that he should 
have received, or, rather jumped, to a major generalship at 
almost a bound? He is a good engineer, but did not stand 
as high as many others even younger than himself [Cyrus 
Comstock, for instance]. He came out with a zouave regi- 
ment, which was well disciplined, but neither in the field as 
commander of a regiment or brigade did he distinguish him- 
self above many others in such manner as to entitle him to 
this rapid elevation in advance of those who had seen vastly 
more service, and who, as far as the record goes, have been 
equally as brave and skillful as he. What has Birney ever 
done, so far as service is concerned, to entitle him to a major 
generalship above you? What has Sickles, Negley and a host 

1 A well-known Pittsburgh bootmaker of war days. 

2 Senator Cowan of Pennsylvania. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 479 



of others ever done? Not one of them has seen half so much 
service or endured one-half so much. No, general, all these, 
even more or less, appointments and promotions made on 
political grounds or through political influences. And yet 
I am not aware that they have made any the worse generals 
for having received their advancement by means of this in- 
fluence. If it was an undeniable fact that these men and 
vastly more men appointed by reason of intrinsic merit, or 
were it the settled policy and inexorable rule to make ap- 
pointments for causes of a purely military and meritorious 
character, your friends do not hesitate to say the two stars 
would have graced your shoulders long ere this. But such, 
unfortunately, not being the case, there is not a shadow of 
impropriety in using influence, of a political character, to 
accomplish the desired result. More especially when real 
merit or a personal nature is the subject in behalf of which 
this kind of power is to be used, 

"Again, general, large numbers of these appointments 
have been made to satisfy local pride or the pride of a people 
of a city or particular section of country. Cadwallader and 
Birney are instances of this as respects Philadelphia ; Sickles 
as to New York ; Banks and Butler as to Massachusetts ; Mc- 
Clernand and Logan as to Illinois ; Herron as to Iowa ; 
Schenck as to Ohio; Wallace and Morris as to Indiana; Crit- 
tenden as to Kentucky, and so on ad infinitum. 

Now, we of extreme Northwestern Pennsylvania have 
furnished as many, if not more, of the good soldiers, in pro- 
portion to our population, as any other part of the state or 
any state, " and we have, or are supposed to have, an equal 
amount of pride as the people of any other section of the 
state. And if we have a proper person to oflfer upon whom 
honor is to be or ought to be conferred we have equally a 
right to demand that we shall be gratified. 

"I know your strong repugnance to the use of political 
machinery in these matters. But as matters stand, as I have 
faintly indicated, I think you have no legitimate right to 
oppose any action your friends may desire to take in your 
behalf so long as you are not in the most remote manner in 
any way compromised. Myers of Clarion,^ Congressman- 
elect from our district, will be here the latter part of this 
week, I understand, and I will have him call and see me. A 
new Congressman, especially when parties in Congress are 
nearly balanced, have much influence, especially also when 
his course towards the administration has not been indicated. 

"Uncle Joe^ is already enlisted, and I am scribbling a 
little every two or three hours, when I have strength, to 
some of my political friends. We will have Governor Curtin 

1 Hon. Amos Myers, who served one term in the Thirty-eighth 
Congress. 

2 Hon. Joseph C. G. Kennedy, superintendent of the census. 



480 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

or that gentleman will lose some votes in the western part 
of the state, and he is now quaking in his boots regarding 
his election and he will be controlled by his interests. 
"I will write again tomorrow or next day. 
"Very respectfully, 

"T. R. Kennedy." 

Kennedy was a bright man, as will have been seen, but 
there is not even a trace of ingenuousness in this letter. On 
the contrary, there is much real sycophancy. Kennedy, who 
was no soldier at all and who was soon afterward dismissed 
from the service, was not qualified to pass judgment upon 
a soldier. 

Cyrus B. Comstock of the West Point class of 1845, in 
which he stood number one, was with the Army of the 
Potomac in the Engineer Corps until after Chancellorsville, 
obtain the rank of captain, when he was assigned to General 
Grant's army at Vicksburg. He returned to the Army of the 
Potomac with Grant and was his senior aide-de-camp until 
January, 1865, when he was engaged in the operations at 
Fort Fisher and subsequently at Mobile. He was brevetted 
major general of volunteers at the close of the war and made 
brigadier general, U. S. Army, full rank, in March, 1865. 

General Hays' first impressions of Warren will appear 
in later letters, and are satisfactory evidence that Alexander 
Hays recognized a soldier by instinct. Efforts were already 
under way to secure Alexander Hays' promotion, the result 
of which will also be shown. Of some of the alleged 
"political generals" enumerated by Kennedy it may be re- 
marked here that history has not been silent. Kennedy knew 
General Hays from his youth and knew also his modesty 
and Kennedy's advice in part was not bad. General Hays 
roomed with Kennedy's parents while attending Allegheny 
College at Meadville, General Hays, it must be remembered, 
in the letters herein is expressing himself to his wife or his 
father-in-law, and his remarks thus are surely privileged. 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Elktown, August 14th, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"In retaliation of your two last letters written upon note 
paper, three pages only filled, I now write to you only three 
pages — such size paper I despise. Why do you send me 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 481 

envelopes filled with other people's letters and leave your 
own little, insignificant sheet unfilled? Do you imagine that 
there is not enough of interest at home to fill four pages of 
note paper? 

"But I am very much obliged. 'Small favors thankfully 
received — large ones in proportion.' 

"We have no news. All 'in statu quo.' The two cows 
are in splendid condition. I live entirely on bread and milk, 
'Dave' Shields has received an addition to our family of two 
well-bred hound pups. If their bowlings do not provoke me 
to kill them Western Pennsylvania will receive a material 
addition to its hunting clubs, 

"Got up at 4 o'clock this morning, read 'Household 
Words' and took a ride up to the Third Brigade on 'Secessia/ 
and she is a trump. Tops me nearly as high as 'Dan' and is 
most indefatigable in spirit. 

"I came home and made an application for leave of ab- 
sence for twenty days on account of fear of losing my eye- 
sight.^ One eye gone, the other going. How would you like 
to have a blind old man? 'He's obliged to fiddle for it; I'm 
obliged to beg.' 

"If I get my leave,^ although I doubt it [for work a will- 
ing horse to death is the motto of our government], I will 
report by telegraph from Washington and ask you to join 
me at Philadelphia, for I suppose I will go there, although I 
have a sneaking notion that my leave, if granted, would take 
me among all the dear ones at home. 

"Have ridden ten miles this morning. Mail is ready and 
so is the driver. Besides, the third half of note paper is ex- 
hausted. 

"All well. "Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Headquarters Third Division, Second Army Corps, 

"August 15th, 1863, 
"Dear Wife : 

"I will leave tomorrow morning for Washington 'on leave 
of absence for twenty days.' I will remain in Washington 
only long enough to provide a decent citizen's outfit and will 
telegraph you soon after my arrival, instructing you of future 
movements. Perhaps, first, to Harrisburg or Philadelphia and 
you may be ordered to meet me there. So be prepared. I 
think I will then, after seeing Dr. Hays, pay a slight visit to 
Pittsburgh to see a crowd of 'little fellows' I know. 

"You can write to Kirkwood's Hotel and I will receive 

1 The general had complained of his eye since the Peninsula 
campaign in the spring of 1862. 

2 The general got his leave on the 15th instant. 



482 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



it while in Washington. You will answer my telegram at 
once and you come if you can meet me in Harrisburg or 
Philadelphia, although I suppose you are not anxious and 
can wait at home. 

"I have no news to communicate [except preceding]. 
All inquiries answered in person for two weeks, fifteen days 
or thereabouts. 

"I must go alone. Corts and Shilds must stay and run 
'the machine.' 

"Love to all and God bless all at home. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

General Hays carried out his programme and thus ob- 
tained a much-needed rest. He does not give the date of 
leaving home, but there is no doubt that he did not overstay 
his time. Stirring events took place soon after his return, 
which will shortly be written of by him, and which tended 
to further endear him to the Third Division and especially 
the New York troops. 

GENERAL HAYS' REWARD OF MERIT 

"The State of Ohio, Executive Department, 

"Columbus, Ohio, August 24, 1863. 
"Brigadier General Alexander Hays, 
"Army of the Potomac, 

"[Via Washington, D. C.] : 
"Dear Sir: 

"It affords me pleasure to comply with the request con- 
tained in your favor of the nth inst. asking for a commission 
for Jonas Thornton.^ Herewith you have the commission. 
Please present it to him in person, with assurances that I 
fully appreciate the renown his gallant services have won for 

our state. 

"Very respectfully, 

"David Tod, Governor." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS ON RETURN FROM 
LEAVE OF ABSENCE 

"Headquarters Third Division, Second Corps, 
"Dear Wife: "September 10, 1863. 

"In failure of connection of cars at Baltimore I did not 
arrive in Washington until late in the evening of the day after 
leaving home. Next morning at 10 o'clock I took cars for 
Warrenton. This left me no opportunity of seeing the war 

1 Jonas Thornton was one of the orderlies who accompanied 
General Hays on his famous ride along the lines at Gettysburg. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 483 



officials or any other person. I arrived safely and escaped a 
reception by being one day too late. The division, with escorts 
and band, were paraded, perchance, for a fuss. My welcome 
here has been most gratifying, although I have omitted to 
make an explanation of why I did not write heretofore. 

"My arm with the boil on it, at the elbow, rendered it 
totally impossible. 'Dave' Shields wrote by order as proxy. 
Now, I am writing, unable to bend the arm, at such a dis- 
tance that I can bearly see what I am writing and this with 
pain. To add to my jobic delights I was stung three times 
yesterday by yellow jackets. 

"My health is excellent and my sight is much improved. 
I have written to Major Newell and he will send you the miss- 
ing two hundred, if he is well enough. Otherwise Corts will 
go to Washington in a few days and procure it from Major 
Webb. Write me and if you require more means I can pro- 
cure it in advance. 

"All were well and 'Secessia' is in grand spirits, although 
I am almost fearful to ride her yet. 'Dave's'^ dogs yelp around 
in the mornings and are a most beautiful pair. 

"I have as yet no scrap or word from you, although 
nearly a week has passed. No matter, I have hope. 

"Today our boys are jubilant over news from Charles- 
ton, and from a report circulated among them and believed 
that I am to lead them to Texas. ^ I hope so. 

"Love to all and I will write whenever I hear from you. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Headquarters Third Division, Second Corps, 

"Culpepper, Va., September 14, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"Yesterday we crossed the famous Rappahannock, mak- 
ing the third experiment of our army to invade this section 
of the sacred soil. May it be more successful than the two 
preceding. Our entire line of march was indicated by the 
work of our cavalry, which preceded us — dead men and horses 
and the ground strewn with arms. Four pieces of artillery 
captured from the enemy passed to the rear. When we ar- 
rived here in sight of Culpepper the shells were bursting 
around the devoted town. Never have our cavalry acted so 
nobly. I almost envy Pleasanton. For ten miles they drove 
the enemy like sheep.^ 

1 "Dave," Lieut. David Shields, A. D. C. 

2 Mere camp rumors; in newspaper parlance of the day, 
canards. 

3 Officially known as the engagement at Culpepper and the next 
day's, Raccoon Ford, Rapidan Station, Va. 



484 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"The only infantry force is ours. The Second Corps and 
the Third Division lead the van. We knov^^ not what the day 
may bring forth, but we are very confident and if necessary 
will be supported by the army. 

*T never have been so anxious to meet the enemy. Con- 
fident in the ability of our force to whip them, I have never 
seen men in better spirits or more sanguine. My return to 
them was a perfect ovation to me. My absence developed 
the good feeling entertained by them and I do feel very proud 
of them. 

"Our new commander, General Warren, is a perfect gen- 
tleman and soldier, though young — such as I like to serve 
Vv^ith. Next Friday condemns two of my conscripts to death 
for desertion. I wish the day was over. 

"Now, while writing the artillery opened beyond the town 
and we will probably have warm work. 

"In consequence of our unexpected move I could not 
send Corts to Washington. You will have to borrow if in 
want and I will send you double allowance when I can. All 
are well, very well. 

"Your brief epistle of the 9th was very welcome and 
arrived just at bedtime. 

"Love to all, and if you care for me write oftener, as I 
have had but that one little letter. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

General Warren was appointed to the command of the 
Second Corps August 12th, 1863, and had evidently not re- 
ported and assumed command when General Hays left for 
home. General Warren had acted as chief engineer of the 
Army of the Potomac from June 8th. He remained in com- 
mand of the Second Corps until March 24th, 1864, when he 
was transferred to the Fifth, relieving General Sykes, and 
Hancock returned to the Second. 

In subsequent letters General Hays voices his sincere 
admiration for General Warren, and the two had most pleas- 
ant and enjoyable relations. They were certainly antitypes : 
Hays a giant in stature, of such sandy complexion as to give 
him that sobriquet by which he was well known in the army ; 
Warren, younger and smaller, of dark yet gentle visage, 
kind and unassuming, one of the best-loved general officers 
of the whole war ; occupying in the Army of the Potomac 
the same high plane of veneration that Thomas did in the 
Army of the Cumberland. Warren and Alexander Hays! 
What precious memories come trooping up when their very 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 485 

names are pronounced! What would the facile and ever- 
ready pen of Alexander Hays have written and the great 
heart of Alexander Hays impelled his tongue to say in deep 
sympathy and unconcealed indignation if he had lived to 
hear of Five Forks? Alexander Hays was always loyal to 
his superiors, though often he expressed a contempt for some, 
but for the real soldier, never. Gouverneur K. Warren had 
no stauncher friend in the whole army than Brigadier General 
Alexander Hays of Pittsburgh, and it is a most precious 
memory in the General Hays family that General Warren 
appreciated him. 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Cedar or Slaughter Mountain, Va., 
"Dear Wife: ''September 17th, 1863. 

"I wrote the day before, but had no opportunity on our 
march next day. I was ordered forward suddenly and at 
4 o'clock A. M. my division was en route for this place. I 
was sent to occupy and hold this position, a very strong one; 
the same ground upon which General Banks was defeated.^ 
I anticipate better results to his illustrious successor. The 
whole cavalry force is in front and around us. If attacked 
the course to be taken will depend upon discretion and judg- 
ment. I consider my division complimented by the position 
assigned us. 

"Yesterday until dark we were witnesses of the duel 
going on between our cavalry and the enemy. Sometimes 
on the distant ridges three batteries could be distinctly seen 
and every shot noted by sight as well as sound. I must send 
this off at once or postpone writing until tomorrow. I will 
then write at length. Have no uneasiness for me at home. 
All is right here. Love to and God bless all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Forks of Rapidan and Robinson, 
"Three Miles From Last Encampment, 

"Cedar Mountain, Va., 
''Dear Wife: "September i8th, 1863. 

"I wrote briefly yesterday morning before we marched 
and promised to write today. Under difficulties here it is. 
From Cedar Mountain we advanced to the Rapidan and con- 
fronted the enemy's pickets, relieving the cavalry which had 
been able to keep them at bay before. 

iThe battle of August 9, 1862. 



486 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"Yesterday from 7 o'clock A. M. until 7 P. M. I was con- 
stantly on horseback and reconnoitered the Rebel lines. 
Twice we came within range of their fire, but nobody was 
hurt. We see their videttes at every open space across the 
Rapidan. General Owen,^ with his whole brigade, constitutes 
our picket line. Carroll has returned from New York and 
the division is again complete, with an addition of two bat- 
teries of artillery. Our position is the extreme right, flanked 
by Colonel Gregg's cavalry. 

"The 'Rebs' are evidently afraid of us and are anticipating 
an attack across the Rapidan. Our friends need have no ap- 
prehension of disaster, although a conflict is probable. 

"Last night and today my quarters are in a beautifully 
located cottage. It rained heavily all night, and now, at 
8 o'clock A. M., it is still raining. I was too tired to let the 
events of the coming day disturb my slumbers last night, but 
now I am reminded that there is an order for coffins for two 
and between 12 and 4 P. M. two of our deserters will be shot 
unless reprieved or by other intervention. I wish the sad 
work was over. 

"Writing on the piazza the damp aflfects the paper and I 
can scarcely write. If what I have written will be any satis- 
faction at home I will be willing to repeat it whenever any 
opportunity occurs. I have had but one very brief note from 
home from you since I left. We have not even had the news- 
paper for nearly a week. 

"Shields, Corts and all are well. I never enjoyed better 
health. 

"Love to all and kind remembrance to all friends. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL, HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Between Rapidan River and Cedar Mountain, Va., 

"September 19th, 1863. 
"Dear Sir: 

"I wrote to Annie yesterday with a promise to write 
again today of our movement. True it is that we know not 
what a day may bring forth, especially in military life. Our 
picket lines are thrown forward and confront the enemy's 
across the Rapidan. In numerous points they are within 
sight and an interchange of shots is not infrequent. One 
entire brigade constitutes the picket force ; the other two 
brigades and two batteries lie in the rear, at all times ready 
for action. Each of the three divisions of the corps acts inde- 
pently of the other, unless a general attack should be made 

1 Brigadier General Joshua T. Owen, colonel of the 69th Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers. His brigade was the Third, formerly Alexander 
Hays', the four New York regiments. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 487 



upon the line. The Third Division [mine] holds the right, 
the First [Caldwell's], the center, to my left, and the Second 
[Harrow's] holds the extreme left.^ 

"Yesterday was an eventful day with us. The deserters 
suffered the extreme penalty of military laws and were shot 
to death with musketry in the presence of the division. A 
few minutes before the hour of execution arrived the enemy's 
guns opened, but beyond our sight. The move could not be 
explained until after the execution, and then it was discovered 
that the enemy's pickets had injudiciously and imprudently 
approached our line. They were charged by our cavalry and 
driven back pellmell and our men returned with forty or 
fifty prisoners. 

"The Reb's cavalry do not pretend that they can now, as 
formerly, 'whip five to one' of ours. On the contrary, they 
have a wholesome dread of meeting them man to man. 

"The Cedar Mountain, which is now in our rear, was the 
scene of a rather disgraceful fight of Banks, McDowell and 
Pope. We held the mountain without molestation and after- 
wards advanced to this point. 

"So far I have suffered no casualty in my command and 
feel confident that in any event I will be able to hold my own 
in the part assigned me. I have confidence in my men and 
they have confidence in me. The Rebs ought to know them 
if their memory extends back to Gettysburg, while we are 
as well prepared to give them again what we gave them then. 

"What I have to say in letters appears to me so uninter- 
esting that I hesitate to give it, but we have no other news. 

"I have heard but once in a very short letter from home. 
I can hardly believe that the silence is meant for neglect. 

"Warmest love to mother and all others, even to the 
second and third generations. Kind regards to all inquiring 

^"^"^s- "Yours sincerely, 

"Alex. 

"P. S. — Corts and Shields are very well and buoyant." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Near the Rapidan, 
"Headquarters Third Division, Second Corps, 

"September 20th, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"It was my intention at daylight to have gone forth to 
drive the Rebel videttes beyond the river, but the morning 
was more than cool and the certain death dealers had not 
been selected. I therefore substituted a short reading of 
'Shoulder Straps' and postponed my murderous intent until 
this evening. The reason for my present hostility against any 

1 Formerly Gibbon's. 



488 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



members of the human race arises from the fact that for two 
or three days past certain of the Rebel scouts or videttes 
have been a little too inquisitive and have approached our 
lines too near. Last night they annoyed us with too much 
inquisitiveness and tonight it must cease. Besides the mili- 
tary necessity of the step there is a large field of sweet 
potatoes which we cannot otherwise command. Yesterday 
evening I evacuated our beautiful and pleasant cottage quar- 
ters for the reason that my young men were taking it too 
easy, with a consequent demoralization. We are now en- 
camped upon the plain in full view of my own command and 
the more distant line of the enemy. So great has been the 
dissatisfaction on the staff that I really heard several of them 
say, 'D — n it,' while the whole of them looked a compound 
of d — n's. It was cold, surely, but I think it will season them 
for next winter. 

"In the balmy, fragrant garden, where we were lately 
quartered, is a variety of the most highly and delicately 
scented rose I have ever seen, white as snow and still in 
bloom. Will it propagate from seed? though there is scarcely 
a need of asking the question to be answered, as I have heard 
but once from home since I left. I suppose something is 
wrong. 

"The Rebs are working like beavers to fortify themselves, 
which indicates that they are afraid of us. We are not in 
the least afraid of them. If they will meet us I think I can 
make some capital. 

"In regard to transmitting your funds, I will do so at the 
earliest opportunity and then liberally. Without the agency 
of Major Newell I cannot yet draw my pay for May last. If 
a paymaster comes to us I will forward this month's pay, 
but I think it doubtful if any one of them will venture in the 
present state of affairs. 

"For days past I have been riding 'Secessia' exclusively, 
having no other animal, and I find her far exceeding my ex- 
pectations — in time she will become as noted in the army as 
her illustrious predecessor Dan. 

"I think you ought to be satisfied with my daily corre- 
spondence while I have reason to complain of neglect. 

"Much love to all — Martha, Rachel and the dear little 
ones. God bless you all and now I will go forward to the 
lines. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex. 

"This is Sunday, which I did not know until I reached 
the signal station, and saw below me in the plain my men at 
worship, and thought it hard that I had not time to partici- 
pate. After viewing the wondrous scenery through the signal 
telescope, I descended to the plain and, passing through the 
different camps, I found the worshipers of the morning en- 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 489 

gaged around the sutler's wagons bartering for cheese, pre- 
served fruits, etc. ; and then I thought I had been nearer 
heaven than any of them, especially as I met the ministering 
man going up from whence I had come down. I passed 
around by my former cottage quarters and plucked a few rose- 
buds, which I enclose. The white is the magnolia, the red I 
don't know. I passed on return the grave of the victims of 
yesterday. One of them was baptized while sitting upon his 
coffin, and his last solicitude was for his mother. What a 
medley of life we soldiers have ! Who can blame us for our 
failings when the love for mother is the impulse for a violative 
oath and the motive of deserting a cause in which mother, 
wife, sister and all that is dear to man is so much interested. 
"I am now going to drive in the enemy's pickets." 

The mare "Secessia," a favorite of the general on account 
of her mettle, was a find — contraband of war, as it were. She 
had been abandoned in an exhausted condition by Mosby's 
men near Centreville, and during a ride of General Hays and 
Lieut. Shields was found lying in a fence corner unable to 
stand. She was hauled into headquarters on an improvised 
sled, and, receiving necessary treatment, proved a valuable 
addition to the Hays stable. She was mouse colored, of 
blooded stock, and bore the general on many battlefields up 
to the time of his death. 



GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Headquarters Third Division, Second Corps, 

"September 26, i86'^. 
"Dear Sir: 

"I write today not from any sense of obligation for favors 
received since I left Pittsburgh, for I have but to acknowl- 
edge two very short notes from Annie and one from Agnes 
only. I merely write in an uncertainty that something may 
turn up, which would prevent me from assuring you we are 
all well — Corts, Shields and myself. Thompson arrived in 
camp two days ago, much improved in health, but no news 
from home. 

"I wrote you some days ago informing you of our posi- 
tion. It is still unchanged, and our pickets still confront the 
enemy across the Rapidan. 

"Night before last I was in the saddle until 4 o'clock 
the next morning, and since have received notice from the 
Rebel pickets that I must be cautious in my rides. They 
evidently don't like me any more than the Pennsylvania cop- 



490 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



perheads. You can rest assured, however, that they can reach 
me only through the Third Division.^ 

"I send enclosed an anonymous circular, which I wish you 
to show to Hon. Thomas Williams.^ It involves a dirty trick, 
but, thank God, our boys only laugh at it; too far beneath 
their contempt to spit upon. I have been personally solicited 
to embark, but my life and fortunes are with the government, 
and no political trickery will make me swerve while I have 
an arm to wield a sword. 

"We are concerned for Rosecrans, but I have faith he will 
work through. Our movements are dark to us, but we have 
still full faith and confidence all is right. 

"The next mail, or soon, you will be informed of move- 
ments improper for me to surmise or to state. 

"Yesterday I sent Annie a draft on New York. Hope 
she will receive it duly. If I receive a letter from her today 
I will write tomorrow. 

"You can tell Mr. Speer that in consequence of all others 
refusing to ride the horse, 'Kirkwood,' I have been obliged 
to adopt him. His value was assessed by uninterested officers 
of our artillery and put down at a hundred dollars. I pro- 
tested, although the animal has been very much abused, and 
is really almost unmanageable. I am providing appropriate 
harness, and believe I can bring him under. I have put his 
price at one hundred and twenty-five dollars, and if no one 
will take him at that I will take him myself. 

" 'Secessia,' without loss of spirit, has become a model 
animal and is sought after by ambitious young officers. She 
carries me nobly, and I have ridden her forty miles without 
apparent fatigue. 

"I am again confidently mounted and want no fancy 
horse. Any more will be promptly reported to you. Love 
to all at home, and to all friends kind remembrance. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Headquarters Third Division, Second Corps, 

"On the Rapidan, Va., September 29th, 1863. 
"Dear Annie: 

"Yours of the 21st, evidently the result of three succes- 
sive nights, of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, was yes- 

1 General Hays was evidently becoming too conspicuous and the 
enemy doubtless thought he would be a good man to remove. 

2 Member of Congress in the Allegheny [Pa.] district. Some 
political circular is referred to. The general's father had been 
prominent in the Democratic party in Pennsylvania, having served 
a term in Congress, but the general never concerned himself with 
politics. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 491 



terday received. It was very welcome, though not so much 
so as the Arabian Nights entertainment, which are said to 
have been delivered orally. I am pleased to hear such good 
report of all at home, a little surprised at your enormous 
weight, and I wonder if the scales were true. 

"We were stationed as when last I wrote, and will no 
doubt hold our present position until the army falls back 
towards Washington. Our corps will cover the rear of the 
retiring army, and the Third Division will cover the rear of 
the corps. I believe others, as I, have confidence that 'the 
Blue Birds' can take care of themselves and others also. 

"I have two splendid batteries of artillery,^ and should 
'Johnny Reb' molest us he will get his jacket warmed. 

"Other corps have been sent away to 'foreign parts,'^ and 
others are preparing to move. Ours will be the last. 

"I have little doubt the army will fall back, and perhaps 
we, as well as others, will scent the orange blossom before 
the crabapple blooms. Again, perhaps we may be retained 
and erect our headquarters either at Centreville or Harper's 
Ferry. Would you like to spend a winter there? 

"There is no change to note from day to day, and rest 
is becoming irksome. I ride much, and there is plenty of 
employment, but it has become monotonous. We all desire 
action and hope soon to have it. 

"I go to bed early, rise early and live almost exclusively 
on bread and milk. 

"I have never enjoyed better health, my weight has in- 
creased and my muscles are hard as iron. My eye is evidently 
improving, and I would not be surprised to cut a new set of 
teeth. 

"Corts and Shields are in excellent health, but grumble 
over 'hard fare.' Kennedy has not yet returned, and I have 
appointed another aide, Lieut. Sullivan. When Kennedy re- 
turns I will make a judge advocate of him. 

"My staff consists of eight or ten nice young men, and 
headquarters are as extensive as a small village. 

"Give my regrets to Kate^ that I could not have seen 
her and the children. 

"Love to all at home. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 



1 Arnold's Rhode Island Battery and the other Ricketts' of the 
First Pennsylvania Artillery. There were six batteries in the corps, 
two to a division. 

2 The Eleventh and Twelfth Corps to Tennessee. 

3 Mrs. Kate Bushnell, Mrs. Hays' sister. 



492 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp on Rapidan, Va., October 3rd, 1863. 
"Dear Annie: 

"My heart was made glad yesterday by receipt of yours 
of the 27th, and therefore you will receive this. All is quiet 
and unchanged. The Rebs are evidently afraid of us. Once 
in a while for fun we run in their pickets. A few days since 
we witnessed a more laughable scene than in any circus. 

"The Rebs had been impudent and advanced across Rob- 
inson Run. To attract their attention, and knock their 
artillery if it should dare to open on us, I threw forward my 
rifled battery of six pieces, supported by one of my largest 
regiments of infantry. The poor Johnnies could not under- 
stand the move, and while gazing upon it the cavalry made 
a dash upon their flanks, plainly in our view. Such 'racing 
and scraping' has not been witnessed since the 'Netherbys' 
chased 'the young Lochinvar.' I laughed until I was weak, 
and a thousand others joined with me almost to prostration. 

"Since I commenced this writing I have been called upon 
to stop and sign twenty official papers. One of them is from 
General Owen, on picket, announcing something new among 
the Rebs, either of advance or retreat, like the old woman's 
opinion of the quality of indigo, which, if pulverized and 
thrown upon water, would 'sink or swim, she did not know 
which.' 

"Would you like to see me become a cavalryman? for I 
am solicited to become a 'Dashing Dragoon?' 

"Day before yesterday I attended a sword presentation 
to General Warren, and today we attend an execution. An- 
other victim in Caldwell's Division for desertion. 

"It is raining now terrifically, and my paper is too damp 
to write much more. 

"All parties laughed most heartily at poor Martha's^ 
progress in spelling. 

"The sword I will 'bide my time for,' and hope to be 
near Washington soon to receive it. 

"Love to all and may God bless you. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Culpepper Court House, Va., 
October 7th, 1863. 
"Dear Annie: 

"I give you a new point of address this morning. Yes- 
terday morning, having been relieved by the Sixth Corps, the 

1 The general's third daughter, subsequently Mrs. Black, now 
deceased. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 493 



Second took up a backward march and are now encamped 
one mile from Culpepper, looking down upon the town. 

"Our location is elevated, and the night is cold. Reveille 
is now sounding, and I sit by a fire made of some other per- 
sons' rails. This I must do to aid stiffened fingers. If you 
must have a letter this is a necessity, as our mail leaves at 
7 o'clock. 

"Our march yesterday was very pleasant, and although 
it was for the distance of fifteen miles, even the men enjoyed 
it. It would have been a glorious view to a citizen from the 
summit of Cedar Mountain. The First and Second Divisions 
marched through the level country east of the mountains; 
my division through the mountains and hills on the western 
side. 

"It made me feel a little proud when, halting with my 
staff upon some eminence, we traced the long line of columns 
with our artillery and train. Each band, striking up and 
alternating, and the floating of the banners, made it appear 
more like a gala day procession than one of war. 

"What will be our final destination is not known, but 
no doubt we will soon be put into winter quarters and then, 
perhaps, I will let you know. 

"The last letter from you is of September 27th; your 
father's the 29th. I will write frequently, nevertheless, but 
close now. 

"We are all in excellent health. Love to all and regards 

to friends. ,,,. , , , 

Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Culpepper, Va., October 9th, 1863. 
"Dear Annie: 

"Yours of the 4th came last night, and to show you how 
grateful I am for the favors received I will write a long letter. 

"The pictures are excellent, yours particularly so, the 
best you ever had taken, very natural, only it will not 'kiss 
me back.' You will have to forward more, as one of yours 
has already been stolen [not by a young man], but by 'an 
old codger,' a colonel, who is an admirer of mine, with a large 
family at home. He says, 'Sis has the general's at home in 
her album, and, by gosh, it will please her to put his old 
woman alongside of him.' 

"Since beginning to write I have the announcement, 'Hold 
your command, ready to move, at a moment's notice.' It is 
not as the children argue, 'The bread is to bake and the beer 
is to brew,' but companies are to be 'stirred up' and eight 
days' hardtack, with coffee and sugar, must go forth tonight. 
Already I hear the rumbling wagons, and at any moment the 
'Fall in !' may be expected. 



494 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"We know not where we go, but more 'full of hope,' and 
fully trust, with God on our side,^ upon our trusty weapons, 
wielded by men who have sacrificed home for country. 

"We look with intense anxiety for the result of the Penn- 
sylvania election. If Curtin is beaten,^ which God avert, it 
is possible that our march may be homewards. I cannot 
believe it possible that our people, after having disfranchised 
their soldiers, dare elect one who has on all occasions ex- 
pressed himself against us. We are no politicians, but we can 
take care of ourselves if we must. 

"I wish I could keep all political or public references out 
of my letters to you, but they will crawl in, naturally. 

"There is no change in our division. I have heard lately 
of no promotions in our family, and seen no swords, either 
in reality or in my dreams. Perhaps I have heard of it by 
mail. 

"I read to Henry the portion of your letter relating to 
him, and suggested the possible damage our visit might entail 
upon others. The 'nigger' has laughed all day over it, and I 
have had my clothes brushed more than for a month past. 

"I will now suspend until tomorrow and see what a 
'night will bring forth.' 

"Morning, loth. 

" 'Afar from thee, the morning breaks.'^ 

"And no wonder, for a thousand drum-sticks are rolling 
over sheepskin, and one hundred or two bugles are competing 
to produce the most discordant notes. It would break almost 
anything except a woman's heart. I've tried that and 'it can't 
be did.' 

"I have no doubt the poor little urchins in Culpepper are 
cowering under the bed clothes, while wrathful mothers are 
stopping their ears to keep out the hateful Yankee. 

"I have not been to Culpepper, excepting passing through 
twice, with my division. Our arrival here was unexpected, 
and the ladies had not been able to retire with the Rebel 
cavalry, which went 'double quick.' The town was full of 
*she Rebs,' and each dressed herself up in her best toggery to 
show us 'Yanks' that they were not entirely destitute of 
calicos. 

"I did my best to entertain them by unfurling every 
banner, to develop 'the stripes and stars,' and gave them the 

1 The implicit faith in God that the general always had is mani- 
fest here. 

2 Curtin's opponent was the Hon. George W. Woodward, then 
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, who had pro- 
nounced the draft unconstitutional. Curtin had about 15,000 
majority. The Pennsylvania election was then in October. 

3 Lines from Rev. Dr. George W. Bethune's long poem, "To My 
Love," written to his wife. 



After Gettysburg— Efforts for Promotion 495 

full benefit of our four splendid bands — one of which even 
played 'Away Down South in Dixie,' but it was no use; we 
received in return nothing but sneers and scowls on faces 
which otherwise might have been pretty. As we returned 
from Cedar Mountain the dear creatures kept out of sight. I 
have overrun my license. The mail carrier demands my 
letters. ^ 

Txri- "^^ ^^^^ ^"" °"^ °^ ^^' Marks'^ 'On the Peninsula.' 
W hat a pity he did not insert many things in his book. 

"I am awaiting orders and we are ready for any emer- 
gency. 

I^Now, I must stop or forfeit this day's mail. 
"Love to all and God bless you. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 



GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

^_ ,,,., "In Bivouac, October loth, 1863. 

Dear Wife : 

"This morning, before we marched, I forwarded a long 
letter to you in consideration of 'your distinguished consid- 
eration' in writing so long a letter [for you] and its remit- 
tance. 

"This morning we left camp at Culpepper and marched 
westward five miles, where we are now bivouaced. There was 
a report we would meet Rebels, but we have found none. 
As usual, the Third Division was put ahead, but we are will- 
mg to accept the honors with the danger. The former we 
prize, the latter we despise. 

"I am blessed with a good command— three brigades 
ordered by good commanders and a most devoted set of men. 
1 he rank and file do not yet understand me, and who on 
earth could in three months' acquaintance? 

"You recollect 'the row' at Centreville ; well, it was with 
the same boys. I believe I could lead them to the confines 
of Pennsylvania through all opposition. Yet they do not 
appear to understand what 'manner of man I am.' 

"You speak of [for here I recognize the arrival of yours 
of the 7th of October] that your father complains of neglect 
of his letters. I believe I have received one, which I answered 
fully, and this morning, before I marched, I burned that 
letter, with yours, which is my practice after I have held them 
three days. 

"You will be pleased [by order] to recognize A. H. Mc- 

v^i,,!,?®^" '^' u ^^^}^^' formerly chaplain of the 63rd Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, who had just published a book on the Peninsula cam- 



496 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



Millan^ as one of 'my boys,' and confer upon him a present 
not exceeding twenty dollars at present until I am a M. G. 
Tell 'Billy' I recognize the compliment fully. 

"I cannot write to my satisfaction, for now comes an 
order 'come to headquarters.' 

"What shall I do? I fear Cupid must cave. God bless 
me, but I would like to have an opportunity of even quarrel- 
ing with you [and to make friends again] than stand this ding 
dong! 

"Give yourself no uneasiness on our account. This move 
of the Rebs, we [the army] believe, is only a demonstration 
in favor of their friends in our coming election. 

"Henry is calling 'whoa' to 'Secessia' at the door and I 
must close. 

"God bless you all at home, and how much love I cannot 
express. 

"We are all well and exultant. I will write tomorrow, if 
no action occurs. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Blackburn's Ford, Near Centreville, Va., 
October i6th, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"We whipped the Rebels, at Auburn, on the 14th in the 
morning, killing two colonels. 

"In the afternoon at Bristoe we flogged them terribly. It 
has been march and fight, and fight and march, for three days. 
'No rest for the wicked.' 

"Our corps, and especially our division, has covered both 
with glory ; captured five pieces of cannon, and done slaughter 
to the enemy, all to celebrate the glorious civil triumphs in 
Pennsylvania and Ohio.- All of my staff escaped except the 
inspector, Capt. Lynch,^ shot twice in the abdomen. 

"The repulse of the enemy's cavalry is due to Colonel 
Bull and the 126th New York. The afternoon aflfair at Bristoe 
was one of the prettiest affairs I have ever seen. Our loss 
was comparatively light.* 

1 A newly-born son to Mr. and Mrs. William McMillan of Pitts- 
burgh, named Alexander Hays McMillan. William McMillan was 
for many years a salesman in McFadden's jewelry store. Alexander 
Hays McMillan is dead. 

2 The elections in Ohio and Pennsylvania held a few days 
previous and favorable to the Union cause. 

3 Captain James C. Lynch recovered and lived many years after- 
wards. He was promoted to be colonel of the 183rd Pennsylvania 
Volunteers and brevetted brigadier general of volunteers. 

4 "Disaster, Struggle, Triumph," Page 213 et seq. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 497 

"Yesterday morning we arrived at this place, and, as 
usual, the Second Corps is in the rear, the Third Division in 
rear of all. First in advance, last in retreat. All day yester- 
day we have been skirmishing in full view of the division. 
There was heavy skirmishing near Union Mills. 

"Last night I enjoyed a good rest, the first for three or 
four days, 

"Our General Warren is much esteemed, a descendant 
of 'Bunker Hill,' a good chip from the old block. I am losing 
nothing in late opportunities. *A No. i,' 

"God bless you and love to all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex. 

"I will write as often as possible." 

These operations in detail are gone into by the historians, 
and the best accounts are by General Walker, historian of 
the Second Corps. 

As General Hays writes much in detail of these engage- 
ments, copious extracts are given and noted under the letters 
of a few days' later dates. These are from the history of the 
126th New York Volunteers.^ It is needless to remark there 
is much of Alexander Hays and the Third Division. 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Bull Run, Near Centreville, 
October i8th, 1863. 
"Dear Annie : 

"We have orders to march — I suppose in pursuit of the 
Rebels. I did not think that time would be allowed me to 
write you today, but here it is. 

"Life has been a whirl for the last week, and I cannot 
settle my mind to write as I wish. I wish I could tell you 
for a week what we have been doing. I am too modest to 
repeat the compliments I have received for my command, and 
our friends will wait for the truth before believing the trashy 
lies published by hired correspondents, robbing us of our 
deserts. We have no correspondents. 

"Our old neighbors of Centreville appear pleased to see 
me back. Mrs. Linn sent me butter and sweet milk, and Mrs. 
Stewart sent me a can of honey. Almost starving when we 
arrived, we have lived like princes since we came. Bill of 
fare: Chicken, stewed; fried and boiled ham, baked pork 

1 "History of the Second Army Corps," Chapter X; "Bristoe 
Station," with maps; "Disaster, Struggle, Triumph," also with maps 
and illustrations. 



498 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



and beans, partridges broiled [two for me], but I have lost 
my cows, and feel deprived of my greatest comfort. 

"All is now quiet in our vicinity. Yesterday the cavalry 
crossed the run and were scared back. I was ordered to 
'clear the track' and threw across two regiments. My 'bully 
boys' waded the stream, with water to their shoulders, with- 
out a murmur, and found no enemy to contend with, where- 
upon the cavalry dashed over most valiantly. 

"You can say to my friends that the men have no fear 
of my becoming a 'horse marine.'^ My contempt for that 
arm of our service has been aggravated lately, and no induce- 
ment could be sufficient to connect me with it. I am now 
delaying the mail and must close. 

"I do not receive all your letters, but keep writing 
regularly. If I had time I would relate some funny scenes, 
but more, anon. 

"Love to all. "Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Bull Run, Near Centreville, Va., 
"Dear Sir: ^"'^^"^ ^^th, 1863. 

"I wrote yesterday to Annie with pencil, using all dis- 
patch to give you news at home. 

"The last week has been almost as eventful as 'The Seven 
Days' before Richmond. I have no doubt you received glow- 
ing accounts concerning the Second Corps, as we were re- 
ported 'cut off' by the enemy and cut to pieces. 

"I cannot now write a detailed account of our operations. 
The corps marched as a rear guard to the army, one of my 
brigades being the last of all. On the morning of the 14th 
we took the road at daybreak, and after an hour's march came 
upon the enemy at Auburn. They opened upon us in all direc- 
tions, evincing an intention of giving a general engagement. 
As we had no particular desire to fight them there, I was 
ordered by General Warren to break through the enemy with 
my division. Our first attempt did not succeed for the chicken- 
heartedness of a major commanding my skirmishers. I then 
selected one of my old Harper's Ferry regiments^ and threw 
them forward. In a short time the enemy's cavalry charged 
them in heavy force, but the boys received them with a 
withering volley, and instantly the plain was covered with 
riderless horses. It was a noble sight and a gallant action. 

1 A cavalryman. At the same time, even though expressing 
contempt for the cavalry branch, had Alexander Hays been assigned 
to that branch his loyal obedience would have found him there, and 
one can imagine what kind he would have been. He subsequently 
modified his opinion of the cavalry. 

2 The 126th New York under Lieut. Colonel Bull. 



After Gettysburg— Efforts for Promotion 499 

"We advanced over the field and found it covered with 
dead and wounded. Among the dying we found Colonel 
Ruffin of the 1st North Carolina, a famous man; also another 
colonel severely wounded. 

"We reached Bristoe [where we fought a year a^ol with- 
out interruption, but here the enemy charged upon us with 
Its whole force. The contested point to be gained by either 
side was a position on the railroad lying between us We 
reached it first, although with considerable loss, and then 
sent into the forces of the advancing, yelling Rebels a perfect 
hurricane of shot. They wavered, rallied and charged again, 
but in a short time broke in dismay and sought shelter in the 
woods. 

artill'^^ c^P^^^ed two stands of their colors and five pieces of 

"Again they rallied and came on, double quick, to the 
charge but our artillery had now got in good position and 
mowed them down to another inglorious retreat We held 
our ground until after dark, and then withdrew to this point 
without attack. They came up with our skirmishers on Bull 
Run on the morning of the 15th, and the day passed in skir- 
mishing. -^ '^ 

"The scene of battle at Bristoe was fearful. The slope 
of the plain over which the enemy charged was covered with 
killed and wounded, and the cries and groans of the latter 
were distressing. 

"Although our victory was complete, it was not without 
cost Ihe loss in my division will amount to about two 
hundred.- 

"We all hurrah for little Warren,^ 'Young Bunker Hill ' 
and I believe he will turn up 'the man for the times ' 

from^ G^ner^Merde."""'' ' ''^'^^ complimentary letter 
"The news from Pennsylvania and Ohio is most glorious 
and cheering. I will write to mother when we get settled 
Love to all of ours and regards to friends. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. McFADDEN 

"Camp on Bull Run, Near Centreville, Va , 
"Mother Dear : °''°'" '''*' '^^' ^ °'^'°^'' ^- ^- 

" 'Early to bed, and early to rise, 
Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.' 

"I have just now received an order to put myself again 
upon the warpath,' and as I write the bugles are perhaps 

1 General Hays' admiration for Warren is increasing. 



500 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



sounding the last reveille for some of us. The movement is 
simply for reconnaisance, but if we come up with the Rebs I 
intend to push them hard. 

"Yesterday I received a letter from Annie, which was 
most acceptable, informing me of the good health of all at 
home. 

"Some time since I wrote to Mr. McFadden, and you 
certainly have misconstrued my letters, at least a portion of 
them. I never intended to place any of my chances at the 
hazard of a 'raffle.' Though most unworthy, I have an abid- 
ing trust in a good Providence, which has so long shielded 
me, and I am satisfied that I am preserved for a good purpose 
in the end. 

"We have everything to cheer us now, and the 'cruel 
war' will soon be over. I have never in my military life had 
circumstances so much in my favor. My command, I believe, 
is devoted to me, with an aflfection between love and fear, 
and I can rely upon it in every emergency. 

"I am not totally insensible to the voice of praise, but 
cherish it more for the sake of those I love than myself. In 
the last action at 'Bristoe' I have been very highly commended 
for the manner in which my division came into action and 
routed the enemy. It was most magnificent, but if the news- 
paper accounts, which we have received, gain credence we will 
be robbed of our blood-purchased reputation. I lost nearly 
two hundred men in the day's action, and gained in both 
complete success. In the early morning we beat their cavalry, 
which they believed invincible, with our skirmishers, and in 
the afternoon defeated their infantry almost breast to breast. 

"It may be accidental, but in retreat the Third Division 
is always in the rear, and now again this morning we lead 
the advance. 

"In an hour I shall be passing over our pontoons, and day 
will break upon us on the plains of Manassas. 

"We are all well — 'Dave,' Corts, Sullivan and myself. 
God bless you, dear mother, and love to all. 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Battlefield of Bristoe, 
October 20th, 1863. 
"Dear Sir: 

"Yesterday we returned to this point with one brigade 
of the Third Division and encamped on the edge of the battle- 
field. Many traces of the fight are already obliterated, but 
dead horses cover the ground, an evidence of the fearful and 
effective fire of our artillery. Within the space of one acre 
lie twenty-one dead animals. As for the dead Rebels they 
are buried, but — 



After Gettysburg — EfForts for Promotion 501 



" 'Even as they fell, in files they lay, 
Like the mowers' work at the close of day.'i 

"Day has broken, and I hear the cheers of the First Divi- 
sion crossing Broad Run, so I must close and advance. Love 
to all. I will write as often as possible. 

''Yours, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Auburn, Fauquier County, Va., 
October 21st, 1863. 
"Dear Annie : 

"I do not know that it is right to allow my sense of duty 
to overcome the feelings of neglect which I have experienced 
from home. For a week past I have written daily to some 
one, and regularly ; at the risk of losing my carrier and mule 
I have sent away a daily letter. The response from him is 
invariably the same, *No letter for you, sir.' Yet I receive 
unimportant letters from Pittsburghers, proving that there 
is communication. Today I received one, an application for 
recommendation to the invalid corps. And why do yours not 
come? 

"We are back at 'Sweet Auburn, loveliest village of the 
plain;' only the poet made a mistake, as there is nothing 
lovely about this Auburn. 

"We have rested here today while other corps of the 
army are retracing their steps towards 'the land of milk and 
honey,' which lieth southward toward the city of the Father 
of Our Country, surname George, who was the first of the 
name of Washington. 

"Just over the hill lies the scene of the charge of the North 
Carolina Cavalry against my gallant 126th. It was daringly 
made and most nobly repulsed with severe loss, on both sides. 
It appeared to be that Sherrill's spirit animated his 'boys,' 
and that Colonel Rufifin expiated his life in retaliation for 
that of their old leader. 

"We encamped night before last on our battlefield of 
'Bristoe,' and saw the work we performed on the 13th. It 
was fearful, while our loss was comparatively light. Long 
lines of pits marked the last resting places of those who were 
no longer our enemies, and further up the slope the ground 
is literally covered with the carcasses of dead horses, indi- 
cating the terrible effectiveness of our artillery fire. 

"The repulse of the enemy was much more decisive than 
our leaders supposed. 

"General Warren and I rode over the ground together. 
Two of their generals [Confederate] were severely wounded, 

1 Quotation not found. 



502 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



and others of their wounded had all been removed. I have 
become a good deal hardened, but the sight, nevertheless, 
was affecting. Some of them surely had homes, if not so 
many affections, as I have, and I thought 

" 'No more for them the pleasing hearth shall burn, 
Nor busy housewife ply her evening care; 
No children run to greet their sire's return, 
Or climb his knees, the envied kiss to share.'i 

"We have Colonel Ruflin's fine gold watch, which I will 
see is returned to his family in time. 

"Tomorrow we will take up the line of march again. I 
know not where, and we never inquire. I see, at last, that 
the newspapers are giving us some credit, but isn't it too bad 
they should call me by such epithets as 'Old Alick?' and then 
they mistake when they say that 'the Rebs' peppered my 
boys more, or half as much, as we paid out to them. 

"I have as trophies from the field of battle an old pad- 
lock [ who wants it?] and a nigger trader's manuscript. 

"We are perfectly satisfied with ourselves, and hope these 
few lines will find our friends in the same state of health. 

"I sincerely hope George^ will be successful in his mission 
to Washington. All are well — Corts, Shields, Sullivan and 
Thompson, including Henry, Edward and the horses. 

"Love to all. "Yours, 

"Alex. 

"I enclose a list of 'Tythables' in A. D. 1740, taken from 
the field of Bristoe. If it has any interest I have more of 
them." 

From the authorities close at hand the story of the 
actions at Auburn and Bristoe, distinctively Second Corps 
affairs, can be told as follows : 

"To understand the importance of this 'short but very 
decisive action,' as General Hays calls it, we must notice the 
critical situation of General Warren at this juncture. His 
was the rear corps of the army. All the other corps had 
crossed the run and were going on toward Centreville. On 
the morning of the 14th he suddenly found himself attacked 
in front and rear by the enemy. Caldwell, with the rear divi- 
sion of the Second Corps, was attacked on the south side of 
the run by Stuart's Cavalry, and at the same moment Hays' 
Division, which led the corps, encountered Ewell's force, as 
has been related. Warren, in his report, speaks of it as a 
moment of great peril ; being, as he says, 'attacked on every 

1 The sixth stanza of "Gray's Elegy." 

2 George W. Murphy, who applied for and secured a position as 
deputy United States marshal at Pittsburgh. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 503 



side, my command separated by a considerable stream, en- 
cumbered with a wagon train, and in the vicinity of the whole 
force of the enemy.' But the gallant action of the 126th New 
York and 12th New Jersey Volunteers cleared the route on 
which the corps was to advance ; and the deployment of skir- 
mishers, and the skillful use of artillery, kept the enemy in 
check while Caldwell's Division, which brought up the rear, 
effectually covered the retreat until the threatened danger 
was over.^ 

"On arriving at Catlett's Station the 126th remained on 
picket for an hour, and then took its place in the column, the 
I nth acting as skirmishers. The regiment had to 'double- 
quick' to assume its place in the rear of the brigade, which 
still led the division. 

"Centreville was the point where Meade had resolved to 
concentrate his forces and give battle to the enemy. Toward 
this point all the corps of our army were hastening, while the 
enemy was trying to intercept us. 

"When, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, the Second Corps 
reached Bristoe, where the railroad crosses Broad Run, the 
rear of the Fifth Corps, Sykes commanding, had just crossed 
the stream. The Second Corps followed, the batteries ford- 
ing the stream, the men picking their way across, some on 
the railway ties, some on stepping-stones, the whole line a 
good deal stretched out and somewhat straggling. After 
crossing, the brigade moved to the right of the railroad, 
through woods and low pines, until it emerged in an open 
plain which extended on both sides of the railroad for some 
distance, and then rose into a gentle hill, the railway itself 
being in a somewhat deep cut. Suddenly heavy firing was 
heard. It was the enemy preparing to attack the rear of 
Sykes' column. The sudden apparition of the Second Corps 
changed their programme, and they turned furiously on the 
new intruder. Warren, seeing what seemed the whole force 
of the enemy coming upon him, sent to Sykes for assistance. 
He replied that his orders were to report at Centreville. 
Warren uttered some pretty strong Saxon words and added: 
*I will whip them alone, then.' As the enemy came out of 
the woods on the left they encountered our flankers and sharp 
skirmishing ensued. 

"General Hays, who was riding in front, saw the position 
of things, turned his horse and galloped down past the regi- 
ments, calling to each, 'By the left flank; double-quick; 
march !' adding, 'Get that cut, boys, before the enemy gets 
it!' Each regiment, as it got the order, rushed to the rail- 
road cut; first the 125th, then the 39th, and then the 126th. 
It was now a race on both sides for this cut, the shot and 

1 "Disaster, Struggle, Triumph," Page 213 et seq. "History 
Second Army Corps," Page 327 et seq. This and the following ex- 
tracts are from the first named. 



504 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



shell of the enemy from a battery on the hillside whizzing 
and buzzing among our men as they ran, but doing little 
damage, while our skirmishers did their utmost to impede 
their advance. With shouts of exultation our men gained 
the position, which was a most advantageous one, the rail- 
way forming a nice breastwork. From this they poured a 
murderous fire into the advancing enemy, while they them- 
selves were under cover. There was a small hut on the other 
side of the road, and the enemy massed on the left of that. 
Seeing this, Arnold's Rhode Island Battery was placed on 
the gentle slope back of our forces and literally blew the 
enemy to pieces as they stood. The Second Brigade, which 
had gained a point in some bushes on the enemy's right, swept 
down on the flank of the already disorganized and shattered 
columns and completed their rout. Many were killed or 
wounded, six or seven hundred surrendered as prisoners, and 
the rest fled in utter confusion, leaving their battery on the 
hillside. Observing this, one company from each regiment 
in the brigade [Company C, commanded by Capt. Scott from 
the 126th] was detailed to go and bring ofif the guns, which 
was done amid the most vociferous cheering. Five guns and 
two battle flags, besides the prisoners, were the trophies of 
the Third Brigade, which was the one principally engaged 
on this occasion, because it happened to be in a position to 
receive the enemy's attack. The Second Corps was compli- 
mented in a general order, and was allowed to have 'Bristoe' 
inscribed on its banners. The fight closed up at dark with 
a sharp artillery duel." 

The footnote appended to the foregoing is as follows: 

"The fine, soldierly enthusiasm of General Hays, and his 
appreciation of the services of his men, which endeared him 
to all their hearts, were shown on this occasion when, after 
the 126th had driven the enemy and repulsed the cavalry 
attack, he rode to the front of the regiment, bared his head, 
and with tears of grateful emotion, thanked the regiment for 
its gallantry, and said : 'You have this day raised your old 
commander [Sherrill] up another round of the ladder of 
fame.' "^ 

GENERAL, HAYS' REPORT OF AUBURN AND BRISTOE 

"Headquarters Third Division, Second Army Corps, 

"Auburn, Fauquier County Va. 
"Lieut. Colonel F. A. Walker, October 22nd, 1863. 

"gjjj.. "Assistant Adjutant General: 

"I have the honor, according to instructions, to forward 
the report of the operations of the Third Division, Second 
Corps, during the day of the 14th inst. 

i"Disaster, Struggle, Triumph," Page 215. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 505 



"The division, excepting the First Brigade, which has 
been retained as guard to train, marched from bivouac at 
daybreak. 

"Crossing the stream at Auburn it was directed to take 
the road to Catlett's Station, on the Orange & Alexandria 
Railroad. Here the march was opposed by the Rebels in 
such force as to render precautions necessary. 

"A light skirimsh line was thrown forward, but was soon 
repelled by the Rebels' cavalry. The entire regiment of the 
126th New York Volunteers, commanded by Lieut. Colonel 
J. M. Bull, was then moved forward, supported by the 12th 
New Jersey Volunteers. In a short time our force came in 
conflict with the Rebels. 

"It was short but very decisive. The Rebel cavalry 
[ist North Carolina], led by Colonel Thomas Ruffin, charged 
furiously upon the deployed 126th, and were most gallantly 
repulsed, with the loss of their leader, who was mortally 
wounded, 

"Our march from this point, past Catlett's Station and 
along the railroad, was not interrupted until we arrived at 
Bristoe Station. It was there announced that the Rebels 
were advancing in line of battle to attack our flank. As soon 
as possible the successive brigades of the division were put 
in rapid motion and flanked to meet the Rebel line. The 
contest was for possession of the line of railroad, which 
ofifered a strong defense. We gained it, and met the Rebels 
with a withering fire of musketry, while our artillery played 
upon them from the rear. 

"The results of our victory are marked by two stands of 
colors and the possession of five pieces of artillery, which 
the Rebels left behind. General Webb's [the Second] Divi- 
sion occupied our right, while General Caldwell's First Divi- 
sion held the position on our left. Colonel Carroll, com- 
manding the First Brigade of the Third Division, also ar- 
rived from the rear, and took position on the extreme left of 
the line of battle. 

"After the first repulse of the Rebels, the Second Brigade 
of the Third Division, commanded by Colonel Smyth, ad- 
vanced through the dense grove of pines in advance of the 
left of the division, and approached the point of attack. In 
the meantime, a line of skirmishers, detailed from regiments, 
brigades and division without distinction, advanced to the 
woods and withdrew the artillery captured. 

"A second attack was attempted, but was repulsed by 
our artillery without the aid of infantry. 

"I respectfully refer to the accompanying reports of my 
brigade commanders for full particulars — Brigadier General 
J. T, Owen, commander Third Brigade ; Colonel S. S. Car- 
roll, commanding First Brigade, and Colonel T. A. Smyth, 
commanding Second Brigade. To them, and to their sub- 



506 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

ordinate officers and men, is due the credit of our almost 
perfect success. 

"To my personal staff — Adjutant General G. P. Corts, 
aides, Lieut. David Shields and J. S. Sullivan ; Lieut. W. E. 
Potter, ordnance officer, and Capt. J. C. Lynch, division 
inspector — I feel deeply indebted for their effective assistance 
in the attack and on all other occasions. 

"Respectfully submitted, 

"[Signed] Alexander Hays, 
"Brigadier General Commanding." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Near Warrenton, Va., 
October 23rd, 1863. 
"Dear Sir: 

"Yours of the date i8th, mailed 19th, just arrived ; antici- 
pated by one from Annie, dated 18th, mailed 20th ; antici- 
pating yours one day. 

"It is, however, very welcome, with its enclosed 
Chronicle scrap ; exceedingly flattering. I do not know, but 
I am too careless personally, of public opinion, but when it 
pleases my friends at home I am not insensible to it. 

"I will enclose my official report of the operations of my 
command on the 14th inst. [I have here consulted Webster's 
Unabridged, and find he does not define the day before, or 
the day after. I mean the day that has passed]. 

"The understanding must be that this report is only for 
the satisfaction of my personal friends, and not to be pub- 
lished in anticipation of official publication. 

"I send you, once in a while, some old thing which I pick 
up, not exactly knowing your taste for antiques. The last I 
sent was a bill for 'nigger lodging,' made out in 1740, and 
picked up on the battlefield of Bristoe. I have also a pad- 
lock, made probably by a Yankee, subject to your order. 

"But I must go back to your letter. 

"We have the bullyest little general in the army and his 
name is Warren. I will venture a prophecy on him — that 
he will in time command us all, although he is my junior by 
ten years.^ 

"As for your friend, 'Billy' Hays,^ he has properly been 
retired from active service, and is now detailed as a president 
of a court-martial in Washington. There is no doubt of 
identity now, at least in the army. 

1 Warren was born in 1830, Hays in 1819. 

2 About this time General William Hays was assigned as provost 
marshal of the Southern District of New York, with headquarters 
in the city, where he remained until February, 1865, when he re- 
joined the Army of the Potomac, serving until Appomattox part of 
the time in command of the Second Division of the Second Corps. 



After Gettysburg— Efforts for Promotion 507 

^ "He belongs properly to the Second Brigade of mv divi- 
sion. ■' 

"I have told you often, but you appear to have no faith 
in my preaching, 'Save me from my friends, and I can take 
care of my enemies myself.' I am not beloved in The 
Regular Army,' but I can fight it out with 'The Volunteers.' 
"I am pleased with my present command, and could re- 
late incidents which would show their interests with me but 
I have neither time nor space. I am perhaps a little severe, 
but they know it is from no whim, but for their own benefit! 
"I have also advised you to have no faith in newspaper 
correspondents' reports. If I had power I would suppress 
them all. In our retiring from the Rapid Ann [that is the 
way to spell it] there was nothing to characterize it as a 
retreat. The whole march was as orderly as a holiday parade 
We lost nothing, and when we found the Rebels near us 
turned and whipped them handsomely. I think it no com- 
pliment to us to say it was a retreat. 

"We are again near the Rappahannock and can whip 
them again. One thing is certain, while our men are gaining 
confidence in themselves, and their leaders, the case is re- 
versed with the 'Rebs.' 

"All is gloom on their side, while ours, though always 
confident, has been raised to the maximum by our late en- 
counters and recent news from Pennsylvania and Ohio To- 
morrow we will fight better than ever before. God bless the 
boys— how it pains me to punish or curb their natural desire 
to steal Rebel produce. 

"I saw young Harper^ near the Rapid Ann, and was very 
much pleased with him. He is a boy any 'daddy' ought to 
be pleased with [proud, I mean], and I would be very much 
pleased, independent of the many obligations I owe his father 
to be able to tender him a place on my staflF. I have now in 
Kennedy's place a most gallant young 'Hoosier'^ and cannot 
displace him. 

"I regret George did not succeed in his mission to Wash- 
ington, but hope it will all be right. I know it will. Is old 
Butler dead at last? 

"If dear mother was not so conscientious I would send 
her my especial blessing. 

"October 26th, Morning. 
I feel so much relieved from what I have suffered that 
I announce it. I am still very sore, but happy, with a large 
fire in front of my tent and an oven full of coals at my feet. 

1 Albert Metcalfe Harper, adjutant of the 139th Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, son of John Harper, president of the Bank of Pittsburgh. 
Lieut. Harper served with the regiment until September 4 1864 
having been wounded in the Wilderness, and later on staff duty 
attaining the rank of brevet major. 

2 Lieut. John S. Sullivan, 14th Indiana Regiment. 



508 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"I think my ailings have their origin in a severe wrench 
which the lamented 'Dan' gave me at Centreville shortly pre- 
ceding his honorable death. It will at least serve as a 
memento of him. 

"I may stop abruptly in my writing, as I have taken the 
mail into my own hands, and will neither delay it myself or 
allow others to delay it. 

"I am anxious to see that sword^ and have the ceremony 
over, as I suppose I must go through a 'marriage ceremony' 
with it, and I hate all other ceremonies, except that which 
bound me to you or you to me, as you please. 

"I hear Fowler calling mail, and you must be satisfied 
with this brief scribble. 

"Will you believe me, but I actually do, that I have 
found my grandmother's family in this region? Their name 
is Milligan and mighty decent people, and if they do not much 
resemble the 'Broadfoots' I am not my mother's son. Besides, 
they came from Galloway. Time is up, and dispatches must 
close. Again, love to all. "Yours, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Near Warrenton, Va., 

,,r^ . . October 28th, 186^. 

Dear Annie: ^ 

"I write with eftort, but suppose I must write. Although 
I have received no letter from you for several days, other 
letters I receive daily. Since I wrote I have sufifered intensely 
with rheumatism. I have had several days of torture, and 
my nerves are yet so unstrung that I can scarcely hold my 
pen. 

"I think it originated in an injury received at Centre- 
ville riding 'Dan' and a ducking, which I got a few days before 
our arrival. 'Secessia' and I fell together into a deep stream 
on the march, and I was forced to spend the night in wet 
garments. 

"I think it is past for the present, as I again feel easy, 
except that I have not regained the strength lost. 

"We have no news of any immediate change. We read 
the news from 'The Army of the Potomac' and laugh over 
their absurdity. 

"Warren called and spent several hours with me this 
morning. I must confess a great liking for him and increas- 
ing. He has our confidence fully. 

"You will excuse me now for closing, excepting that in 
a day or two, the first opportunity, I will remit to you two 
hundred dollars. 

"Love to all. "Alex. 

1 A costly and magnificent sword presented to General Hays by 
the citizens of Pittsburgh. 



After Gettysburg— Efforts for Promotion 509 

"Morning, 29th. 

"The mail man has not yet called and I can add some- 
thing. I feel better after a night's good rest, and have 
finished a breakfast on dry toast and a cup of coffee. I have 
eaten nothing for several days. I have a comfortable tent, 
with fireplace, and would not be better situated in a house. 

"Last night, after I had written, I was waited upon by 
Colonel Smyth, commanding, and the officers of the Second 
Brigade. The band of the 14th Connecticut attended and 
played most sweetly. I enjoyed it very much. I am much 
flattered by the attention of my officers. 

"I would like very much you could enjoy our music. We 
have four excellent bands in the division, and the country 
resounds with competing performances. The other divisions 
have but one band. 

Henry requests me to say that he is well and doing well. 
I do not know how I could get along without him. All the 
others of the family are in good health and spirits. 

"Tomorrow I hope to be able to again take the saddle. 

"Love to all and God bless you, but write oftener. 

"Yours, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Near Warrenton, Va., 
October 29th, 1863. 
"Dear Annie : 

"You will receive two letters by the mail which carries 
this. Last night I wrote one, which is still on hand, as the 
carrier imagined I was not well enough to write and left 
without reporting to me, as his orders and custom are. I 
am glad of it, for last night I felt miserable, and this will 
relieve any anxiety you otherwise might have felt. 

"I feel tonight like 'the ace of clubs,' which is trump in 
our corps; not only for restored health, but on account of 
your letter of the 25th inst., just received. 

"Perhaps the new flag which we received, which has 
flaunted so defiantly all day before my quarters, had some 
eflfect, or maybe the satisfactory drilling of my command in 
full view, with the exhilarating music of four fine bands, or 
perhaps the reception of three 'counterfeit presentments' of 
'the gal I love,' have all conduced to make me happy. 

"The weather is delightful for the season, but the nights 
are cold. I am, however, comfortable in a good tent, with 
a good fire radiated from 'a California stove.' The boys see 
me, as they pass, engaged, and I will not be interrupted. 

"I believe I owe none at home, for correspondence, except 
Rachel, for several letters, which she has never written. 



510 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"Now, for your letters. You mistake that I ever com- 
plain — that is inconsistent with the character I sustain in the 
army. Sometimes I explode, and scatter smaller projectiles 
[?], like a scrapnel shell, but I never complain, merely report 
facts. 

"I am certain you are innocent, therefore the blame is 
imposed upon 'Little Jim.'^ He can bear it. 

"I don't know 'at once' where that slip came from, but 
believe from the New York Herald on or about the 17th of 
October. I enclose the list of 'Tythables,' which you observe 
is dated A. D. 1740. 

Your photographs are excellent, and there is a demand 
for them, as there is a desire to show 'the old couple' together, 
so you see you are not without a share in our glory. Send 
more. 

"I do not wonder so little interest is felt now for opera- 
tions in the Army of the Potomac. We want faith, and yet 
when the brunt comes we are always here. 

"As to the proposed visit, it will be acceptable to me, 
as you have never known your presence otherwise than de- 
sirable to me, and it never will be, but you must await our 
settling down for the winter, and then I will file orders. 

"I wrote yesterday concerning your allowance, and am 
embarrassing myself, for the present, in affording it. I have 
not yet heard of Major Newell's, and until I can forward 
him vouchers cannot expect him to pay the account. It will 
be attended to as soon as possible. I am also sending in my 
claims for horses, without a doubt of their being granted, 
in which case I can afford to be liberal on Christmas. 

"I hope the present remittance will arrive in time to suit 
your wants next week. 

"I will send you all the photographs I can procure. 

"Love to all and kind regards. 

"Yours, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Headquarters Third Division, Second Corps, 

November ist, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"Received yours of the 28th this night, and from an ap- 
prehension that we move between this 11 o'clock P. M. and 
tomorrow morning I have arisen from my bed to write. 

"I feel perfectly well again, excepting somewhat weak, 
but I will feel better after a little exercise. 

"If time is permitted I will continue this with daylight; 
if not, good-night. Some love to all, and all love to some. 

"Yours, 

"Alex. 
1 The general's little son. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 511 



"Morning, November 2nd. 

"Reveille is sounding, and no orders have been received. 
It is, I believe, only intended to move a few miles out to 
protect the repairing of the railroad, and it may be possible 
that we shall not change our position just at present. 

"I regret that you have not received my letters promptly 
and punctually, as I have written at least every other day — 
once at least, two by the same mail. 

"I feel exceedingly well this morning, although quite 
weak. If we move I will miss my very comfortable fireplace, 
but I can soon have another constructed. 

"To make amends for the delay of writing, a charge of 
writing 'poor, little, sickly letters,' I will say the one received 
last night was anything else, most excellent. 

"We have not seen the charge against Negley,^ but it 
is evident he cannot be in arrest, as we hear he is in Wash- 
ington. 

"If we find a few days' settlement I will be compelled 
to go to Washington to purchase some clothes, as I am 
rowdy, if not naked. I can dress as I please at home here, 
but I have nothing for any state occasion. Do you know I 
left my old general's coat at home, which I did not intend. 
Send it and boots, by Adams express, to Washington. 

"You see I have spun out a respectable letter [for 
length]. 

"Be patient, and your remittance will come as early as 
possible. 

"Again, God bless you all, with an abundance of love. 
Corts, Shields and all other friends are well. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

[Received November 6th, supposed to have been written on the 

2nd inst.] 

"Headquarters Right Grand Division, Army of the Potomac, 

"Near Warrenton, Va., November 2, 1863. 
"Dear Sir: 

"The first twang of the bugle says it is morning, and 
now it is rolling across the plain from corps to corps, calling 
Uncle Sam's boys up for another day's work. 

"Miles away I hear the scream of a locomotive [so con- 
ducive of homesickness among us] bringing up our daily 
bread — without a prayer, but with many a curse if it fails on 
time. 

"In the beautiful German dialect we are 'shust where we 
used to was' the last day I wrote. The weather has been, 

1 Major General James S. Negley of Pittsburgh, who had his 
trouble about this time, but was exonerated. 



512 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



and is, delightful for the season. Each day of ours, so 
monotonous to us, would be a gala day in any city. Our daily 
drills, enlivened by bands of music, would appear to a novice 
more like the preparations for a wedding than a fight. 

"It is probable we break camp today to take a new posi- 
tion, perhaps for the winter. As for the prospects for a fight 
the indications are small, although it is understood among us 
that Meade has ordered we must fight. I believe our general's 
proclivities tend more toward the cowl than the lance. 

"I am very thankful for your last letter, received two 
days ago. I have searched for it now, but find it mislaid 
among a bushel of court-martial papers which I have been 
reviewing. I therefore cannot answer it in detail. These 
court-martial papers are a great bore. For two days I have 
been at them and reviewed three pecks. So far found no one 
worthy to be hung. If I should find a mortal case you can 
tell mother I will call upon her name as an agent of mercy, 
and if the scoundrel does not deserve he shall not be shot. 

"Your friend, 'Billy' Hays, has been again assigned to 
New York City. The administration knows itself when it 
sends such men to the rear. He is most unpopular in this 
command. I think there will be a general settling^ of Mc- 
Clellan men this winter. 

"I have no news, and now my mail bag is calling for 
letters. It is very probable that we will winter in the old 
city of Fredericksburg, in which case you will provide a super- 
intendent for the Hays family, as the present incumbent will 
be ordered on forthwith. 

"I would fill this sheet if time permitted, but it must go. 

"By the way, I am afraid I will lose the Kirkwood horse. 
He has what is very prevalent among the animals in the 
army — rotten hoof. I don't know that it will make much 
difference ; he is a very hard case. 

"Corts, Shields and all are well. I myself never felt 
better, except that I am weak. 

"Love to all and regards to friends generally. 

"The letter of young Harper^ is excellent, and his judg- 
ment is better. I have intended, as soon as possible, to offer 
him a place on my staff. More, anon. "Yours 

' "Alex." 
GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Headquarters Third Division, Second Corps, 

"Near Warrenton, Va., November 6th, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"Just received yours, dated ist, mailed 3rd November, 
but it is very welcome. Don't know that there is anything 

1 The "settling" came in the spring and included more than 
McClellan men. 

1 Lieut. Albert M. Harper, 139th Pennsylvania Volunteers. 



After Gettysburg— Efforts for Promotion 513 

lleZT''?'T'^ri -fT^\ u^^' ^/"^ regaining health and 
strength. I need it, for I have suffered much. It is ten days 
since I have been confined to my tent; once I ventured to call 
for Secessia, and rode over to Warren's and spent several 
hours with him, but I suffered a reaction and paid for my 
enjoyment. I feel perfectly well and at ease, but my wedc^ 
ness makes me miserable. I have not at any time relin- 
quished my official duties, but I feel as if I was'^a fiT subtct 
for woman's domination [and sympathy] ^ 

Last night Dr. Marks^ announced himself, and we were 
well pleased to see him. Until 12 o'clock last night we iought 
our battles over again, and the time passed very agreeably 
Today the doctor is out on reconnaisance and promises to 
return tonight. I don't know what he is driving^ af?^r He 
IS much pleased with the sale of his book ' 

"Now comes in the newspaper boy, with nothing inter- 
esting in his papers except the capture of General Geary3 and 

the dearth I? nel^s'" '' "" '"^^ '''''''''' '"^ ^^ ^^^^^ 
..« ''Much obliged for your picture. It is in demand. As I 
can obtain those of my officers I will forward them 

vn„ J?n • ' ^ "^'^ '^""^ '^^'^^ y°"^ P^y account, and 

you will soon receive your portion. 

f.^f Iw ^^'^ ^'""m I '^"^^' "°^ ^""^^^ inclination, but from the 
fact that our mail hour ,s changed, and the mail closes in the 
evening which is now at hand. I write and will continue to 
write often as I have opportunity. For some days past I have 
been engaged reviewing court-martial proceedings, a most 
tedious duty. But there are cases of life or death in some, and 
I must perform the duty of a righteous judge, 
shall h ^"*^"^^*'°" °^ ^ settlement for winter. The first you 

"Tell Rose* to crack ahead with her correspondence for 
anybody else] and it shall receive prompt attention. [Photo- 
graphs not solicited]. i^rnvio 

"Love to all, and I await that letter from mother, when- 
ever her dear health permits, impatiently. 

"Yours, 

"Alex " 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Brandywine Station, Near Culpepper, Va., 
"Dear Wife: "November loth, 1863. 

"You would not wonder at the scribble of this note if 
you knew how cold it is tonight, and, besides, I have had a 
relapse of my illness and am very nervous. 

1 Doctor Marks, chaplain, 63rd Regiment. 

2 "The Pennsylvania Campaign." 

3 A canard. 

4 Miss Rose Irwin, of a prominent Pittsburgh family. 



514 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"In my efforts to keep up I have been necessarily exposed 
and now feel the consequences, I have never, however, left 
the head of my column ; my boys expect me there, and as 
long as possible I will not be wanting. I was detached yes- 
terday from the corps and sent to reinforce General French^ 
in anticipation of a battle. Tomorrow at 7 o'clock I move to 
rejoin Warren near Culpepper. The enemy have fled, and we 
do not anticipate a fight soon, 

"Dr. Marks has been with me several days, and will re- 
turn to Washington in a day or two. If I can obtain blanks 
I will send by him a month's pay. I regret that you have 
not had it already, but it was impossible to send it safely. If 
you should still be disappointed do the best you can, and the 
delay will be no fault of mine. 

"I think likely we will retrograde again in a few days 
and go into winter quarters. Then I will make up for all 
deficiencies. 

"Mails are very uncertain with us, although 'Dave' got 
a letter from his charmer today. I got none from mine. Now, 
this is only intended to set your mind at ease, I will write 
again tomorrow and daily when possible. I am writing upon 
a rough board, with an old worn-out pen, and think I have 
done well under the circumstances. 

"All the boys are well and are enjoying our good camp- 
fire, and so I will join them and warm for bed. 

"God bless you and love to all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex. 

"P. S. — Of course you will have received the announce- 
ment of Capt. Maynard's^ death, as I wrote of it." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Headquarters, Third Division, Second Corps, 
"Milton Mills, on Mountain Run, 
Three Miles From Culpepper, Va., 

November nth, 1863. 
"Dear Sir: 

"I have received yours of Saturday, the 7th, and am under 
obligations, as I feel completely restored to health. You need 
have no apprehensions concerning me on that score. I have 
suffered considerably within the last ten days. It is probable 
the original causes — rheumatism, exposure and a severe 

1 Commanding Third Corps. De Trobriand's Brigade of Ward's 
Division had a stiff fight on the 7th at Kelly's Ford, and the Fifth 
and Sixth Corps at Rappahannock Station the same day. 

2 Capt. Timothy L. Maynard of Company B, 63rd Pennsylvania, 
killed on the 7th at Kelly's Ford, at the time acting commissary of 
subsistence. First Brigade, First Division, Third Corps. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 515 



bilious attack — were aggravated by my persistence in keep- 
ing ahead of my column through thick and thin. 

"Since our arrival at this point yesterday morning I have 
occupied a very comfortable room, and last night slept on a 
real feather bed. I feel like a new being, and will be fully 
competent to go it again when we march. 

''Why should I not be in my place when everybody ex- 
pects me there? The men, I know, would miss me. I have 
been complimented on the improved discipline of the com- 
mand since it fell to me, and certain I am there is no more 
reliable set in the army. The afifair of Auburn and Bristoe 
has given more confidence, and I have never known the men 
more confident. 

"The papers have carried you all the news [and a great 
deal more] of our late operations, and certain ones have been 
highly complimented, which the army believe is undeserved. 
We still want faith. 

"It is probable we will remain in our present position 
some days. As far as I am concerned, I am satisfied, as we 
have plenty of wood and water. 

"I will endeavor to comply with your request for copies 
of reports — in fact, I would like to see them myself. 

"I must answer you that I have had many intimations 
of promotion, but not one realization. All in good time, I 
hope. It is nothing unusual, such situations as mine, and I 
suppose no action will be had in the case until Congress 
meets. 

"Another trouble in your mind I will endeavor to efface. 
The Kirkwood horse is mine, as I understand per agreement, 
dead or alive. I am at present not able to draw my dues 
from the government, but as soon as possible will do so and 
transmit the amount to you. 

"I wish you could witness the scene of our army camp 
tonight. The entire country is illuminated with fires, and 
in one locality the woods are on fire. Who will say 'Old 
Virginny ?' 

"I have written almost daily, often when totally unfitted 
for such a task. I will continue to write as often as possible. 
I have another letter to write before bedtime, and delinquent 
as I usually am, I feel in the case of your last, with this as 
Fehl expressed himself when he gave his due bill, 'Well, that 
debt's paid.' 

"There is nothing of interest to communicate. When 
so, you shall hear. Love to all at home and regards to friends. 

"Yours, "Alex. 

"P. S. — The evacuation of Richmond has not been of- 
ficially announced to this army up to ii o'clock P. M., and 
I do not think it will be for some time to come. I write to 
Annie," 



516 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Milton Mills, Va., November 12th, 1863. 
"Dear Annie: 

"I wrote a note yesterday morning and discovered that 
I dated it one day in advance. Last night I wrote to your 
father, and alas ! for good intentions, designed to get up early 
in the morning and write you a long and loving letter. I was 
called to consciousness by Henry announcing 9 o'clock, so no 
long letter can go in this day's mail. 

"I feel as well as ever this morning, but will nurse my- 
self as long as I can. Dr. Marks left yesterday for Washing- 
ton and carried two hundred and fifty dollars for you. It was 
all I could borrow, and we have no chance to draw pay. Let 
me know of its receipt, otherwise write to Dr. M. at Wash- 
ington. 

"My headquarters are at the Fitzhugh House, a noted 
locality in old times, and a grand old place it is. I am as 
comfortable as if at home, with a good fire, and fancy furni- 
ture and a comfortable feather bed, big enough for two. 

"My troops are encamped below in full view. Last night 
the Connecticut band gave us a serenade, to the great delight 
of the Fitzhughs. The family consists of one old man and 
two old women. They are the most sensible people I have 
met in Virginia, and do not talk 'secesh,' although they are 
full of it. I get from them fresh milk, cream and butter; in 
consequence, I live high. 

"Love to all, and a heap to yourself. I thought of you 
all long before I could sleep. 

"Yours, 

"Alex. 

"No mail carrier yet, so here goes for more. I have had 
breakfast — excellent coflFee, with thick, sweet cream ; pitcher 
of fresh milk, hash with toast, and butter that makes me 
homesick. 

"On my dressing stand are rosebuds, one of which I 
enclose. 

"Taking all things into consideration, I am not the most 
miserable creature in this world. 

"I would write you some love, but someone else might 
open this letter. You can, however, write safely to me, and 
you must explain circumstances, as I am anxious. 

"We will soon see where our winter quarters are to be, 
and then perhaps we will more than see. 

"Alex. 

"All are well and send love." 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 517 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Mountain Run, Va., November 12th, 186^. 
"Dear Wife: 

"1 wrote you yesterday, and again today, that you may 
be assured of my good health. I have headquarters in a big, 
comfortable house, much to my satisfaction. I feel quite re- 
stored, excepting a little weakness. 

"Dr. Marks^ left early this morning and has taken two 
hundred and fifty dollars for you, which I hope you will re- 
ceive promptly. I had no time to spare so that this may go 
by mail. 

"A letter from your father last night. Will write at 
length tomorrow. 

"All well. Love to all. ,,,, , , , 

Your husband, 

"Alex." 
GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Headquarters Third Division, Second Corps, 

"Milton Mills, Va., November 15th, 1863. 
"Dear Annie : 

"I write merely for the satisfaction it will give to know 
that we are all well. Last night it stormed terribly, but this 
morning it cleared away, and we received orders to hold our- 
selves ready to march — no one knows where, but we will see. 
I am loath to leave my snug country quarters. 

"You will receive the earliest information whatever 
turns up. I am exceedingly busy, and you will excuse a dearth 
of news and the omission of expressions of love, etc., in this. 
No letter from home for two days. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Headquarters Third Division, Second Corps, 

"Milton Mills, Va., November i8th, 186^. 
"Dear Sir: ^ 

"The express mule train, U. S. mail, brought yours of 
the 14th last evening; also a remittance from my dear guardian 
angel of a pair of warm, comfortable gloves, which I suppose 
instinct told her I needed very much. All was very accept- 
able, and I am much envied for my possessions. 

"We are in 'statuo quo,' and have been annihilating Lee's 
forces by 'masterly inactivity.' Ten days we have 'eaten, 

1 Dr. Marks, former chaplain of the 63rd Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers. 



518 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

drunk and been merry,' probably under the continuation that 
next spring we must die.^ 

"I have no doubt [?] it is all right, but it is galling to our 
army. We have orders to move today, and should the Rebels 
oppose our march, on the banks of the Rapid-Ann, you will 
hear of the most fearful conflict of the war, as we are bound 
to get through. Our army has never been in better condi- 
tion. Such men as we have are really veterans, and fully con- 
scious of their superiority over any enemy, are anxious to close 
upon them and, if possible, give them the cold steel. 

"Our corps is probably the smallest, numerically, in the 
army, but it stands pre-eminent in prestige, equal to any. 
We have no dissensions, and what Frenchmen call 'entente 
cordials' pervade the mass. 

"Intending to write much more at length, I am admon- 
ished by the conductor of my U. S. mule mail train that the 
hour of departure has arrived, and as I allow no one to violate 
the mail law, which I have established, I do not wish to 
violate it myself. I will write again today, if we do not 
move. 

"All are well, and I have never felt better, but I did suffer 
terribly for a time. I never felt more sanguine or better able 
to endure the exposures of a winter campaign. I will accept 
your suggestion to take better care of myself, but I always 
fear to set example. 

"I have heard nothing of the sword. What of it? I 
have had an intimation that a horse is in New York and only 
awaits transportation to me, 

"Regards to all friends and love to all at home. Is dear 
mother offended that she will not write to me? 

"Yours, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Milton Mills, Va., November 20th, 1863. 
"Dear Annie: 

"Seventeenth just came, and in the midst of bustle to pro- 
vide clothes and rations for my men I can scarcely afford to 
write. If I do not write it may be impossible to do so to- 
morrow. I have never felt so indignant with my officers and 
would not, if I could postpone, write one word. But I will 
make them pay for it before I rest, and will try to curb my 
temper to write decently. 

"I have acknowledged the receipt of your gloves, and 
can only assure you again that they were most acceptable 
and much needed. 

"The boots of Corts were received, and if I called for 

1 Most prophetic. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 519 



another pair it was unintentional. He does not want them. 
Keep mine until further orders. 

"I am really delighted to have such good reports from 
the children. Hoping it will always be so. I send some new 
currency as rewards of merit, to be distributed accordingly. 

"I regret exceedingly to hear of dear mother's continued 
illness, but hope it will pass away. I know what it is to 
suffer, but mine has all passed away. As evidence of restored 
health, I yesterday rode 'Thunder' through all the camps, to 
the great admiration of the men. Ditches and fences are no 
obstacle, and I love the horse for his human spirit. 'Secessia' 
is as spirited and as gay as ever. Sometimes my love to those 
at home induces me to sell her for two hundred dollars, which 

1 am freely offered. But, like an Arab, I look once at the 
gold and again at my mare, and space soon separates us from 
the tempter. 

"We are now provided with rations for twenty days, 
which will take us to Richmond as the crow flies. But you 
must wait for further developments. I know that you will 
all have that abiding faith and trust which I have, that all 
will be right. 

"I will write you a love letter next time, 

"Enclosed is a rosebud for whoever deserves it. 

"Love to all and regards to friends. 

"Yours, 

"Alex. 

"P. S.— Teggy'^ is well." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Milton Mills, Culpepper, Va., 
November i6th, 1863. 
"Dear Annie: 

"If this is not an evidence of devotion, to be writing at 

2 o'clock A. M., I am no judge of weaknesses. I have been 
to bed, but could not sleep. Thought may have kept me 
awake, but, judging from the sonorous snores which Thomp- 
son is now endeavoring to make musical, you must attribute 
this favor to him. I was half asleep and dreamed I was aboard 
a high-pressure steamboat, which was blowing mud out of its 
boilers, and burst. But it was only Thompson snoring. I 
did not intend, or rather, did not expect, to have another 
opportunity to write after my short note of yesterday morn- 
ing. Then we have orders to be ready to move at a moment's 
notice, and the boom of heavy guns in our front towards 
Slaughter Mountain appeared to confirm the probability. The 
morning was dark and gloomy after a night of heavy rain- 
fall. The streams came leaping down from the mountains in 
torrents, and the prospect was most dismal. We were not, 

1 "Peggy," the cow. 



520 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

however, required to move, and about lo o'clock we had an 
exhibition of a magnificent rainbow. The clouds broke away. 
'The sun resumed his silver cast and shone adown the west.' 

"We are still, however, prepared to depart at any moment, 
which will explain my writing at this untimely hour. 

"Yours of the 12th inst. came yesterday; also the loth 
inst., with Agnes' picture, received. The dewdrops glistened 
in my eyes when I received it, but I soon dispelled them by 
going out on the porch and lecturing every nigger in sight. 
The picture is very good, not flattering, and I find I am not 
the only admirer. If she is as good as she looks, I am satisfied. 
I want the others. Send them to me, for I have little to look 
upon in the way of faces divine, except those of my soldiers, 
bronzed and rough though they be, and although they light up 
with pleasure when I appear among them, it reminds me of 
the next death feast we may be called to partake of. I have 
not seen them much of late except to lead at the head of the 
column, but they realize that I feel the deepest interest in 
them, and I think they return the feeling with interest. 

"They are very much like school boys, and tonight stole 
my landlady's old sow, but I cannot detect the culprit, and, 
per consequence, am obliged to attach no criminality thereto. 
I warned her to keep up the pig. 

"The Second Army Corps, excepting the Third Division, 
was not near a fight in the last crossing of the Rappahannock. 
We were sent to support the Third Corps, which had some 
fighting, and as we went marching along buried several dead 
that others had killed. But we did not kill even a child. If 
the Third Corps, supported by the Third Division, had been 
let alone, Lee would not now be on the banks of the Rapid- 
Ann.^ 

"Since I have lodged with the Fitzhughs I have fared 
finely. With the usual supply of army stores, I have had 
cream, sweet milk, buttermilk and fresh butter, with corn 
cakes, ad libitum. Everybody wants to board with me, but 
since I turned ofif my staflf I have become extremely exclu- 
sive. In my housekeeping arrangements for the future I have 
purchased a fine cow, and intend to board alone. I believe 
I could churn, if settled down. 

"No one knows where we will winter, but as early as 
possible you will have an answer to your behests, as I am 
quite as anxious as anybody else. 

"If Dr. M. has not forwarded remittance, write to him. 

"I am confidentially informed that J. B. McF., Jr.,^ has 
gone to Philadelphia upon a special call. We shall see. 

"The same old love to all. 

1 The old name. 

2 James B. McFadden, Jr. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 521 



"All are well here and send regards. Want Rachel to 
write to Chi-ca-go. 

"Yours, 

"Alex. 
"P. S. — I will be uneasy until I hear from you. Life is 
not life without you. 

"I have a bushel of flowers, but have no one to assort 
them. 

"My health was never better. My leg is growing 
stronger, and the dimming of my eye does not prevent me 
from enjoying nature as she so lavishingly develops herself 
here, 

"Your husband, 

"Alex. 
"Send more of your photographs, and some of Agnes', I 
want Jim." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Milton Mills, Va., November 22nd, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"It is rare that any communication from home puts me 
in a fluster, but taken in connection with one from Kennedy, 
which I received today, I am all in a fizz. He requests me 
to endorse his defection of last July, which I will not do. I 
have requested to have him relieved from my stafif, and have 
placed the boy, Sullivan,^ in his place. 

"I have ten on the staff, and they are all loyal, good and 
true, but I live a secluded life and see them rarely. 

"Thompson^ 'rings in' at bedtime. I suppose because he 
is fond of a feather bed and at breakfast he is some on corn 
cakes. 

"Peggy continues to improve on milk, as she is now get- 
ting chopped slops, and we are happy in anticipation of a 
forward movement. We have not got the Hohenlinden fever, 
although tomorrow it may be 'On, ye brave, who rush to 
glory or the grave.' 

"All are now asleep and I am left uninterrupted, I will 
therefore take up your letter of the 19th and answer, 

"You speak of Gettysburg while our hearts are sick 
that history should be so prostituted, in the words of Mr. 
Everett, and that our fair fame should be taken from us by 
such grossly misrepresentations as have been made. Can 
men, having conscience, standing upon the graves of our lost 
comrades, utter and pervert the truth so foully as has been 

1 Lieut. John S: Sullivan, 14th Indiana, who married the 
general's daughter, Rachel, after the war. 

2 William Thompson, a staff officer, of "West Newton, Pa., men- 
tioned in the general's letter of April, 1863, as the general's new 
corresponding secretary. 



522 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

done to us? Our ground, consecrated by the blood of three 
thousand of our best men, is ignored by the political trick- 
sters, and we have no thanks for hurling back the legions 
who assailed us on the 3rd of July? Meade's report was 
enough to crush our enthusiasm, but Everett's polished speech 
makes us hesitate and doubt our own identity. Perhaps we 
were not at Gettysburg ! Oh, foul, most foul ! 

"The political dodges at Gettysburg will recoil upon 
somebody's head unless the coming melee of the Rapid-Ann, 
by wiping out the projections, shall hereafter blot it out from 
the page of history. 

"I will retire to my peaceful couch, where T ,^ with 

a 'p,' is now innocently snoring. Tomorrow we may be 'en 
route' for Richmond. If not, I will write again. So far as 
health and wealth is concerned, I have every reason to be 
satisfied. I have abundance of the former and ten cents of 
the latter. 

"All are well. Love to dear ones at home, and kind re- 
gards to friends. We are all well. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 



GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Milton Mills, Va., November 2}^, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"The fiat has come, and tomorrow morning at daylight 
the Third Division will be en route for Germania Ford, on 
the Rapid-Ann. It is no less strange than true, but of which 
we are very proud, that our corps is always ordered in ad- 
vance when we move forward. When we recede the corps, 
with the Third Division, closes the column. You will conse- 
quently hear no more from me for several days, but you will 
feel assured that your soldier is at his post. 

"Caldwell- leads us tomorrow, which will bring us to the 
Fording, and the next day, if the 'Rebs' oppose us, the Third 
will go forward as the 'forlorn hope' [misnamed forlorn]. 

"We are sanguine, and I am sure of my command. 

"It is now late and I must sleep for tomorrow. God 
bless you all and pass my love around. 

"All are well — Corts, Shields and Sullivan. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

1 Capt. Thompson. 

2 General John C. Caldwell, with the First Division. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 523 



GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Fitzhugh House, Milton Mills, Va., 
December 3rd, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"I know you will be surprised at the above address, when 
you are looking for the announcement of our arrival at Rich- 
mond. We returned to our old quarters last night, and I 
again occupied the little room and feather bed. I never was 
more fatigued, having been almost constantly in the saddle 
for twenty-four hours, and completed a march of over thirty 
miles. 

"Such a sleep as mine last night no man ever enjoyed. I 
took exclusive possession of the entire feather bed, and did 
not awaken until 9 o'clock this morning. 

"You are aware from my letters that 'we crossed the 
borders' after breaking camp on the 26th. That day we 
pushed forward across the Rapid-Ann and camped on Flat 
Run for the night. Next morning early we took the 'Orange 
and Alexandria Turnpike,' and after a few hours' march, the 
Third Division in advance [as usual], our advance discovered 
that of the enemy. Pressing rapidly forward the division 
gained a crest of ridge at 'Locust Grove,' or 'Robertson's old 
tavern,' and skirmishing began in earnest. It was very in- 
teresting, as both lines were in full view. 

"Towards evening we became tired of such child's play 
and concluded to close on the 'Rebs,' It was done most gal- 
lantly after a determined resistance, and the poor Johnnies 
were driven pellmell from their position with great loss. 
Our own loss was considerable — about one hundred. 

"Next day we were again ordered to advance, and drove 
the enemy before us for three miles, until we reached Mine 
Run, where the skirmishing again became hot and heavy and 
was continued all day. 

"Directly in front and view the enemy had constructed 
strong earthworks in a position which it would have been 
worse than folly to attack them. 

"Next day [29th] we were relieved by the Fifth Corps 
and marched ten or twelve miles to our left, of which our 
corps formed the extreme. Here again we found the enemy, 
after considerable skirmishing, to be also entrenching him- 
self. That night [Sunday], while you were all probably at 
your prayers, we waited the order to attack. It came, but 
was countermanded. If we had fought then there would 
have been no doubt of our success, as we had undoubtedly 
surprised the enemy. 

"The position of the Third Division was on the extreme 
left of the army, and gave us a good opportunity of observa- 
tion. At 2 o'clock next morning it was aroused by General 
Warren, and received an order to attack at 8 o'clock follow- 



524 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



ing. At 6 o'clock the division moved silently through the 
darkness, and advanced about a mile to our picket line, con- 
fronting the enemy's works. Daylight came and revealed 
something unexpected. Across the marshy meadow over 
which we were to charge loomed up as formidable a line of 
works as those we had left the preceding day. It appeared, 
however, as if the die was cast for us. The order to charge 
was peremptory. As the hour of 8 :oo approached anxious 
groups were to be seen discussing the probabilities of the 
day. Wills were made and promises received of 'love tokens' 
to be restored if in event of death — . Not a man, however, 
blanched or quailed, but determined to carry on the work if 
they died, and they would have dared it. The hour of 8:oo 
approached, and the bugler stood ready to sound the charge, 
and then came a suspension of the order. All day long, how- 
ever, each man stood to his gun until after nightfall, and 
under its cover we withdrew to our strong position in the 
rear. 

"Imagine ten thousand men in such a position for twelve 
hours in succession, expecting almost every minute a 'death 
warrant,' and yet no casual observer would have discovered 
any of the efifects of such a probability. 

"It was 'facing death' with a vengeance. Still, they 
cooked their dinners, and talked almost as gaily as in camp. 

"Next day we held our position, and the next, at 9 o'clock 
P. M., silently withdrew without the knowledge or permis- 
sion of the Rebels, and arrived, after a march of thirty miles, 
at this place. 

"I have written you a history of the campaign into 'The 
Wilderness,' and so mote it be. 

"Today, the first for a week, we received papers, and it 
is amazing to read them. 'The greatest battle of the war' 
was imminent, but did not come off — I suppose to the great 
disappointment of 'blood suckers.' Well, I am satisfied that 
it is so. The carnage would have been fearful, while those 
who suffered would have been exposed to all the horrors of 
exposure and want. Scarcely a house remains throughout 
the country, and no transportation was at hand. 

"Even from the events I have related I have realized 
great satisfaction, in the increased confidence, both from of- 
ficers and men, exhibited in action and expressions, to me. 

"Now, I am awaiting the arrival of our mail, not received 
for a week, and it will be welcome. I may, however, here 
say that, notwithstanding the exposures of our trip, I have 
never felt better than tonight. My disabilities have disap- 
peared and a good condition followed. I have an appetite 
like a shark. For breakfast I took Boston crackers, broiled 
mackerel, cofTee and cream, and cream without coffee. 
'Peggy' is a trump and accompanied me on our last campaign. 

"Well, the mail has arrived, with two letters from you 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 525 



of the 26th and 29th. You were at one concert on Thanks- 
giving Day, and I was performing in another at the precise 
same time. Is that not a coincidence? 

"I am now about to come to a close, having nothing 
more to say, but I think an old woman like you ought to be 
satisfied with six pages. 

"I met young Harper^ yesterday evening. He is in ex- 
cellent health and spirits, and is a most excellent young man. 

"Corts, Shields and Sullivan, as well as all others of the 
stafif, are well. 

"What has become of that sword? I have fought three 
times since Gettysburg, and ought to receive several others. 

"By the way, as a joke, on the 27th I whipped my name- 
sake from Louisiana.^ 

"Love to all and God bless you all. 

"Say to George^ that I will write to him in a day or two, 
and say to Katie* that I still love her very much. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex. 

"December 4th, 12 O'clock M. Night. 
"It is reported that Lee is again advancing. If so, he is 
mad. 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 
[Date not on letter — is between December 4th and 11th, 1863.] 

"Near Stevensburg, Va. 
"Dear Wife: 

"Since I wrote two of yours have come to hand, and the 
only reason why I have not written as often, and promptly 
since, was by reason of total inability. The day of our last 
march was very disagreeable, and while waiting for the prep- 
aration of my quarters I contracted a very heavy cold. It 
pervaded my entire system, and settled into a rheumatism. 
With the consequences of a free application of mustard to 
my body, I am again relieved, excepting the parboiling to 
which I have subjected myself. 

"It is extremely uncertain if our present location is to 
be for 'winter quarters.' It is, however, very doubtful. Not- 
withstanding this, we have constructed good, comfortable 
habitations. Lumber was found in abundance in the vicinity, 
and I have a very cozy single room. It is still believed that 
we will fall back to a point nearer Washington. 

1 Lieut. Albert M. Harper, 139th Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

2 General Harry T. Hays, commanding the brigade of Early's 
Division of Ewell's Corps, generally known as the "Louisiana 
Tigers." 

3 George W. Murphy. 

* George W. Murphy's daughter. 



526 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"The fact is we are too near the enemy to rely upon a 
winter's quiet, but I will keep you posted, and as soon as 
safe you will receive a winter's ticket. I only write now to 
relieve any anxiety you may feel, and wish you to be assured 
that we are comfortable. 

"If I should find myself subject to a recurrence of the 
rheumatism I shall be permitted to go on home. 

"Love to all, and I will write you tomorrow, etc., etc. 

"All the boys are well. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Milton Mills, Fitzhugh House, Va., 
December 4th, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"I did not intend to write tonight, as I wrote so exten- 
sively last, but another order has come to move. 

"We move tomorrow morning at 7 o'clock to Stevens- 
burg, three miles distant, and are of the opinion that will be 
our winter quarters. What my position will be I cannot im- 
agine until I occupy it, and then I will inform you. It is 
said that houses and pretty girls abound there. 

"Nothing has transpired since I wrote, except that last 
night we were 'scared to death' by an announcement that the 
'bugbear,' Lee, was coming; but he did not come. 

"I enclose two remittances, one from Mr. H. Stafford,* 
of my stafif, as is, say twenty dollars, in Confederate scrip, 
which he says he owes you. Very good ! The other is a 
clip from the Washington Evening Chronicle, which gives 
the best, though far from good, account of our 'sojourn in 
the Wilderness.' 

"We are looking for a 'good time coming,' and I will 
write again tomorrow night. Love to all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Near Stevensburg, Va., December nth, 1863. 
"Dear Wife: 

"While Edwin is preparing supper I will inform you, as 
perhaps the most deeply interested individual, that I expect 
to leave 'on sick leave' for Washington tomorrow. My 
rheumatics has proved more obstinate than was anticipated, 
and it is advised that I try a change. Until I arrive in Wash- 
ington I cannot lay down my program of proceedings. I will 

1 The general's colored servant. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 527 

be required to stay there some days on business, and then 
I may go on to Pittsburgh. I will at all events telegraph as 
soon as I arrive and advise you. No more tonight, as the 
above is sufficient news. 

"There is no prospect of the army taking action soon. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex. 

"P- S. — Suppose I spend the holidays at home? 
"My leave has not returned, and I may be delayed a day 
or two." 



GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Near Stevensburg, Va., December 12th, i86s. 
"Dear Wife: ^ 

"No leave has yet been returned to me, but 'Dave' has 
just returned from headquarters with the information that it 
will be sent tonight. 

"I could not have gone today at all events, as it has been 
raining continuously. 'Dave' accompanies me, but is not im- 
patient, as he thinks 'his gal' is not at home. 

"I feel much better this evening, and think a little rest, 
with good company [?], will soon fix me up. 

"Our quarters are fitted up very comfortably, and if we 
are to remain all winter 'the boys will have a jolly time.' If 
Mr. Leeshould show no indications of disturbing us I would 
not be surprised if numbers of the 'fair sex' flocked to our 
standards. But we will settle that when I see you. 

"Nothing new is transpiring, our men are working like 
beavers to render themselves comfortable, and will be so. 

"You are under no circumstances to give yourself any 
uneasiness on my account. 

"I will telegraph from Washington on my arrival there, 
or should anything prevent my going will write to you daily. 
My general health never was better, and my present disabili- 
ties will soon pass away, while my spirits are buoyant as 
usual. 

"We are wondering what Congress will do with us, and 
who will command us next. There are numerous reports 
afloat, but none reliable. 

"Tell Rachel I would like to have a copy of her official 
report of her last campaign and will exchange. 

"Have no time to write love, except love to all. 

"I have not been able to write George that promised 
letter, but will not fail. 

• "Your husband, 

"Alex." 



528 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



MRS. HAYS TO MRS. JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Washington, Kirkwood House, 
"Dear Mother: December 17th, 1863, Thursday. 

"When I arrived here I was so completely worn out with 
headache I was not able to sit up. 

"Alex was much better yesterday than he has been for 
a week past, but today the pain has returned in his chest and 
limbs, and he feels wretched. I wish he was this moment 
with you at home. I know you could cure him. Surgeon 
Gestner came home with Alex and told me it was the effects 
of repeated cold. The general was careful of every one in 
his division but himself; that I must insist upon his taking 
his medicine regularly. Alex looks very well, but has not 
much appetite, and when he sleeps the sweat rolls in great 
drops off him, for all night long he was directing his division. 

"We will remain here only a few days, and if nothing 
prevents we will go to the camp on Monday. Alex sent word 
down this morning to have everything comfortable for me. 

"We did think of going over to Philadelphia, but our 
stay would be short, and I think Alex had better keep quiet. 
I will write each day so that you may know exactly how we 
get along. 

"We have visitors by the dozen. Alex gets very tired, 
but I am determined he shall be agreeable and have the other 
star. 

"I send Aggie General Hancock's card. I did not see him, 
as he called before I arrived. I have not been to see the 
Stantons yet. The day is so unpleasant, and Alex will not 
let me go. 

" 'Dave' Shields has gone home by the way of Philadel- 
phia. Dr. Phillips also. He can tell how Alex is affected. 

"I will write tomorrow. Direct to Washington as usual. 

"Love to all. .Your daughter, 

^' A ti ni p 

"Alex sends love to all." 

MRS. HAYS TO HER FATHER 

"Washington, D. C., Kirkwood's, 
"Dear Father- December i8th, 1863. 

"I arrived here without any detention, but suffering with 
one of my severe headaches. I found the general better, but 
still suffering very much. The rheumatism has settled in 
his chest and right lung, obstructing his breathing, and mak- 
ing him feel very miserable. This morning he is much 
better, has a good appetite, and is now going up to call upon 
Stanton, Cowan and Williams.^ 

1 Secretary Stanton, Senator Cowan and Hon. Thomas Williams, 
Member Congress. 



After Gettysburg— Efforts for Promotion 529 

"I was at Mrs. Stanton's yesterday and received a most 
Hattermg welcome from all. After dinner Mr S told me 
to come mto his library and tell him the Pittsburgh news 
He asked of the general's health, how he liked his command,' 
If he would be willmg to go with it to Grant, as he intended 
sending part of the Army of the Potomac to General Grant 
Mr. b regretted he could not make a major general of Hays 
now, but there were no vacancies, and it was determined to 
keep the number to seventy, though that ought to be reduced 
•I'^u" ^J General Hays stands high in my estimation and 
with the department, and will yet have his reward ' 

"Mr. S spoke of that person Negley, and thought he had 
got himself in an ugly place. I asked him if the army was 

l^JLlTi^'^^^^u'^Tu^?- '^^"' ^ '"PP°s^ s^- As Meade 
did not fight in the fall, I suppose he will not now.' He told 

me he had received letters from Major Gazzam^ asking to 

g-o in the Invalid Corps, and laughed most heartily at the 

grand rally the major made at Fair Oaks. 'Why if it had 

Washfrton""' ^'"^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ "^""^"^ ^^''^ ^^"^ possession of 

^^So you see how such gallant men are appreciated 

In fact, dear father, I had a very pleasant chat with 

the secretary. Came home and amused Alex all evening- by 

Ijj^^^f ^Pt^o" of it. I am to go and spend the day with 

"The general has bought a very handsome suit of clothes. 
He could not wait to send to Mr. Powell, though much 
obliged to you for your kindness. 

"It is our intention now to leave here Monday for camp 
but we heard last night the army was falling back to some 
place nearer this city. I will write again on Sunday 

I am sorry to tell you Lieut. Kennedy was dismissed 
trom the service yesterday for absence without leave 
, Excuse the many mistakes, for I write with constant 
mterruptions, 

"The general sends kindest regards. 

"Your daughter, 

"Annie." 

JOSEPH R. HUNTER TO GENERAL HAYS 

ur- , ^, , "Pittsburgh, December 30, 1863. 

"General Alexander Hays, -i ' ^6- 

"Washington City, D. C. : 
"Dear Aleck: 

^ .u^ ^^",'^ ^^^ General in this letter. Please write a reply 
to the enclosed and give it, with a copy of ours, to Colonel 

sylvanfa^VoTunTeer';"''"'^' °' P^"^^"^^^' °^^J'°^ °' the 103rd Penn- 
2 Mrs. Stanton, 



530 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



J. W. Forney for publication in the Washington Chronicle. 
I have taken the liberty of writing to Colonel F. requesting 
him to call on you, or to send one of his reporters, for this 
purpose, it being the general desire of the committee that it 
should appear in that paper first. I will send you a list of 
the contributors tomorrow, and will only add that I could 
have raised three thousand dollars as easily as I did five 
hundred dollars. Democrats, Republicans and all 'went in* 
with pleasure. 

"Yours truly, 

"Joe R. H."^ 



The above letter appertains to the sword presentation 
by the citizens of Pittsburgh, which the general received 
at Washington while returning from his last furlough on 
January i, 1864, with an appropriate note under date of 
December 30th, and is the sword that is mentioned in the 
letters, especially those to Mr. McFadden. This was indeed 
a most beautiful tribute as well as a most valuable one. The 
hilt was of solid silver cast in the form of two zouave soldiers 
with muskets at a shoulder. This was surmounted by an 
American eagle in solid gold, the guard of the hilt being also 
gold, and beautifully embossed with wreaths and crests, and 
terminated in a broad, blunt end like that of a Roman sword. 
It bore the following inscription, "Presented to General Hays 
by the Citizens of Pittsburgh, 1863." Beneath was "Mexico, 
1846-1847; Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, The Orchard, 
Nelson's Farm, Malvern Hill, Bristoe, Groveton, Gettysburg, 
Auburn and Locust Grove." 

The accompanying belt was of a magnificence to corre- 
spond and of rare beauty. 

The letter of acknowledgment from the general is truly 
characteristic : 



GENERAL ALEXANDER HAYS' SWORD 

The "Evening Chronicle" described the sword completely 
in its issue of January 7th, 1864, also printing the correspond- 
ence in full. 

The belt is of Russian leather embroidered with solid 
gold, with representations of the eagle, the stars and the flag. 

1 Joseph R. Hunter, the first name on the list. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 531 

There are also gold buttons, hooks and snaps to match. The 
band uniting the belt to the body is of silver, surrounded 
with wreaths. 

There are fifty-four signatures to the letter accompany- 
ing the gift, representing about sixty persons — townsmen and 
friends of the general — who honored him for his virtues and 
his valor. 

The press of Pittsburgh gave full accounts of the sword 
presentation ; the "Commercial" as follows : "It will not 
be uninteresting to state that some four months ago a number 
of our citizens had manufactured a magnificent sword ex- 
pressly for General Hays. The sword was of the most costly 
description, and bore an appropriate inscription. The follow- 
ing correspondence on the subject will explain who were the 
donors, what they thought of the general, and how the brave 
soldier felt on the present crisis : 



"Pittsburgh, December 30, 1863. 

"General : 

"A few of the companions of your youth, some friends 
who have learned to love you in later years, and many others 
who only know you by the name of your gallant achieve- 
ments, have united to present you with the sword which this 
note accompanies, and which is most cordially tendered for 
your acceptance. 

"We are no flatterers, and we have mistaken your char- 
acter if long-drawn praises of your valorous deeds, set forth 
in nicely picked words and neatly framed sentences, would 
greatly delight you. But we may say that the brave and im- 
petuous youth who, at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, 
'flashed his maiden sword' on the foreign invaders of his coun- 
try; and again, in maturer years, forgetting the ungrateful 
treatment of 'scurvy politicians,' refused adequate reward for 
his great services, generously rushed to the rescue of the 
Union from the desperate assaults of confident Rebels, richly 
merits the signal and substantial regard of his fellow-citizens. 

"If surpassing talent and skill in the honorable profes- 
sion for which you were educated — if dashing courage and 
prudent conduct that challenges alike the admiration of all 
beholders and the confidences of your superiors and command 
— if loyal, unswerving devotion to family, friends and country 
may entitle a man to testimonials far more precious than our 
small tribute to your merits, then this weapon is more than 
deserved, and will be most worthily worn. 



532 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"With our best wishes for your future and increased hap- 
piness and success, we are, 

Very truly, your friends. 



J. R. HUNTER 
GRAFF, BENNETT & Co. 
DAVID RICHEY 
WILLIAM BAGALEY 
JAMES A. HUTCHINSON 
C. IHMSEN & SONS 
J. K. MOORHEAD 

C. W. RICKETSON 
JOHN HARPER 

J. W. BAXTER 
J. M. PENNOCK 

D. E. PARKE 
JOSEPH DILWORTH 
THOMAS MOORE 
ISAAC JONES 

F. H. EATON 
ALEXANDER SPEAR 
SPANG. CHALFANT & CO. 
THOMAS S. CLARK 
WHITE, ORR & CO. 
H. CHILDS & CO. 
JOHN GRAHAM 
THOMAS L. SHIELDS 
DANIEL L. SHIELDS 
C. McHENRY 
GEORGE S. BRYAN 
ZUG & PAINTER 



NIMICK & CO. 

D. F. McKEE 

A. S. HAGAN 

A. S. BELL 

SIMPSON HORNER 

C HANSON LOVE 

JAMES SCHOONMAKER 

JOHN H. STEWART 

JOHN WILSON 

JAMES O'CONNER 

WILLIAM McCREERY 

WILLIAM H. WILLIAMS 

J. G. COFFIN 

J. O. WILSON 

o J KAY 

MARSHALL & BRO. 

W. S. HAVEN 

ED. GREGG 

J. HERON FOSTER 

DAVID McCANDLESS 

J. D. SCULLY 

S. HARBAUGH 

S. F. VON BONNHORST 

WILLIAM PHILLIPS 

J. H. JONES 

C. ZUG 

ALEXANDER McBANE 



,,„ , "Washing-ton, D. C, January i, 1864. 

Gentlemen: => > ' j y > t 

"I have this morning received your mag^nificent sword. 
It is impossible to express my sense of the high honor which 
you have conferred upon me. The exquisite richness of the 
testimonial enhances its interest to others, but the motives of 
the donors endear its value to me. 

"When the rebellion broke upon us like a tornado, in the 
desecration of our flag at Sumter, I took an oath never to 
sheath a sword until honorable peace should restore to us our 
glorious Union. 

"I am no politician of any political clique or party, but 
will support the existing government with my whole soul, 
heart and body. It gives me great satisfaction that by trans- 
ferring the war to the soil of the Rebels our own loved homes 
have been spared the desolation which I have witnessed. In- 
creased prosperity has been ours, and Western Pennsylvania 
may well be proud of the reputation her soldiers have earned. 
They have always been first in fight and last out of it. 

"I return to you, gentlemen, my sincere thanks for your 
warm expression of approbation, and assure my friends that 
if my past conduct meets their approval no act of mine here- 
after shall forfeit it. 



After Gettysburg— Efforts for Promotion 533 

"In acknowledgement of the distinguished honor which 
you have conferred upon me, I must request a recognition of 
those who most contributed to my success. The blood of some 
of our dear old commonwealth' has flown freely but it is 
mmgled with that of Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Indiana 
Connecticut, Virginia, Rhode Island and Delaware. God bless 
the defenders of our dear old flag! 

"Yours sincerely, 

^' "Alexander Hays, 
"Brigadier General of Volunteers." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 
"Dear Sir : "^^^^ Stevensburg, Va., January 6th, 1864. 

"I received your last on the 4th inst., and was gratified 
to hear of your safe return to and of the good health of all 
at home. 

"Upon the expiration of my leave I concluded to insist 
upon Annie's accompanying me to the front, as I know com- 
fortable quarters have been prepared for us, and many other 
ladies were going forward to rejoin their husbands. 

"Although my health is much improved, with entire relief 
from the rheumatism, still I do not feel completely restored 
A few days will, however, make all right, and you need feci 
no apprehension on my account. Annie's health is excellent • 
our quarters consist of two rooms, with a fireplace, sufficiently 
large to roast a sheep, and we are very comfortable. 

"I suppose you have seen the sword correspondence It 
IS [I mean the sword] universally admired, and I myself think 
It IS one of the most magnificent specimens I ever saw I am 
certainly very proud of it. 

^ "I regret that I can do nothing in the case of young 
Little,^ as he is not in my command. I sent Shields to see 
him and invited him over. Shields found him comfortably 
situated and now a clerk at his own brigade headquarters. 
V'Ve expect him and BushnelP to visit us tomorrow. 
T u '^^^^^r }^ "°^^^"^ "^w in the Army of the Potomac, and 
1 believe I have written over every foot of ground between 
the Rappahannock and the Rapidan. 

"You will receive the only interesting news concerning- 
us through the papers. 

"Give our love to all at home. We were disappointed in 
receiving no letters from you today. Our mail is daily. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"P. S.— Annie will write tomorrow." "^^^''- ^^y^- 

,.,,/^^o^S® W. Little, of Pittsburgh, son of ex-Mayor William 
Little, a private in Hampton's Battery of Pittsburgh [Battery F 
Independent Pennsylvania Light Artillery]. 

2 Joseph Bushnell, a brother-in-law of Mrs. Hays. 



534 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



MRS. HAYS TO HER SISTER, RACHEL McFADDEN 

"Camp Near Stevensburg, Va., 
"January 7, 1864, Thursday. 
"Dear Rachel: 

"I will commence my letter where I left off the last one. 
We left Washington at 9 o'clock in the morning, and when 
we arrived at the train we found an extra car provided for 
Major General Ingalls.^ He at once invited us to come in, so 
we had a pleasant trip, though it snowed all day. Alexander 
and the general talked war, while Shields showed me places 
of interest on the road. We saw Union Mills, Manassas, 
Bealstown, Bristoe and Warrenton Junction, and landed at 
Brandy Station at 3 o'clock, a distance of sixty miles. We 
found a wagon and ambulance waiting for us, and after a ride 
of an hour we arrived at this headquarters, where a warm 
welcome awaited us. 

"We have two tents. In one is a large fireplace and, as 
wood is provided by the government, we keep roaring fires. 
We mess alone and I think it is a good plan. 

"The sword occupies a conspicuous place in our tent and 
has been admired by all, and all agree that it was most 
worthily bestowed. 

"Yesterday morning Mr. Hays received a very handsome 
banner; it is made of thick white silk, bound on one side with 
blue and the other with red ribbons, and in letters of gilt is 
this motto, 'My God and My Country. General Hays.' Also 
a black cloth smoking cap. On the velvet band is 'General 
Hays' in gold braid. Above that a gold star and a gold tassel 
on the top. There came with it a note asking the general's 
acceptance, but no postmark or signature. Do you know 
anything about it?^ 

"Mr. Hays has gone to see General Hancock, whose head- 
quarters are one mile from here. It is the first time he has 
been out, and I hope he will not feel worse for the trip. 

"I have been much troubled at the news from 'Kenridge,' 
and feel too sorry they had to change. I know you will not 
care to stay out there ; perhaps Eliza Austin^ will come. Will 
you see her? I will leave here as soon as Alexander is willing, 
as I am afraid the children will become troublesome. 

1 Rufus Ingalls, of the West Point class of 1843, three years at 
the academy with Alexander Hays. General Ingalls was then serv- 
ing as superintendent of supply depots on the Orange and Alexan- 
dria Railroad, later chief quartermaster for the armies operating 
against Richmond. 

2 Evidence of sincere appreciation. 

3 A colored maid, who spent a large part of her life with the 
McFadden and Hays families. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 535 

"I will write on Saturday to 'Mag/ and hope she is much 
better. Has Kate gone home?^ 

"Give my love to all, Alexander sends love to all. 

"Yours, 

"Annie." 



Capt. Corts contributed a communication, which Mrs. 
Hays brought home with her, and it has been preserved, 
to-wit :^ 

"January 12, 1864. 

"NAMES OF OFFICERS COMMANDING BRIGADES AND REGI- 
MENTS IN THE THIRD DIVISION, SECOND ARMY 
CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 

Commanded by Brigadier General Alexander Hays, 
United States Volunteers. 



Brigade 



Regiment 



Commanded by 



Rank 



First, 



Second, 



Third, 



4th Ohio, 

8th Ohio, 
14th Indiana, 
. 7th West. Va. 

108th New York, 
10th New York, 
14th Connecticut, 
12 th New Jersey, 
1st Delaware, 

39th New York, 

111th New York, 

125th New York, 

126th New York, 



S. S. Carroll, 

G. A. Stewart, 

Franklin Sawyer, 

John Coons, 

J. H. Lockwood, 

T. A. Smyth, 

C. J. Powers, 

G. F. Tait, 

T. G. Ellis, 

T. H. Davis, 

E. P. Harris, 

J. T. Owen, 

Hugo Hilderbrandt, 

Clinton D. MacDougall 

L. Crandell, 

J. M. Bull, 



Colonel. 
Lieut. Colonel. 
Lieut. Colonel. 
Colonel. 
Lieut. Colonel. 
Colonel. 
Colonel. 
Captain. 
Colonel. 
Lieut. Colonel. 
Lieut. Colonel. 
Brig. General. 
Major. 
Colonel. 
Lieut. Colonel. 
Lieut. Colonel. 



"Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"George P. Corts, 
"Captain A. A. G." 

1 "Mag" and Kate, Mrs. Hays' sisters. Woman-like, Mrs. Hays 
worries about home affairs. 



2 This roster remained unchanged until the 28th of March, 
1864, the date of reorganization of the Army of the Potomac. 



536 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



MRS. HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"In Camp, January 12th, 1864. 
"Dear Father: Tuesday Night. 

"Last night yours of the 8th arrived, and this morning 
another of the 2nd, the first received for one week. Many 
thanks, for I was very anxious to hear from the 'Kenridge'^ 
folks. The weather has been intensely cold until yesterday, 
when the sun shone out so warm we determined to visit the 
hospitals ; after breakfast we started, I in an ambulance and 
the general on 'Secessia.' We found the men comfortable in 
large tents, with only a few dangerous cases. We then rode 
to the new 'Division Hospitals,' now being made in a thick 
grove of pine trees near Brandy Station. The location is ex- 
cellent and near enough to the railroad to get their supplies 
readily. 

"Mr. Hays then proposed we should visit the Fitzhughs, 
where he was so long stationed. After a long ride we came 
to Milton Mills, a very romantic spot, but also bearing the 
marks of war's desolation. All the windows, doors and floor- 
ing had been taken by the 'Yankees.' Driving up a long hill 
we arrived at the house, a large one-and-one-half story, with 
innumerable outbuildings. At the door we were met by two 
ladies and their brother, Mr. Fitzhugh, who welcomed us 
with all the state and grandeur possible. We entered the sit- 
ting room, but found it bed-room, kitchen and dining-room, 
for of the sixty negroes owned by them before the war not 
one remains. These ladies do all the work of the household, 
milk, wash and cook. They own eleven hundred acres of the 
most beautiful land I ever saw, but not a rail of fence is left; 
their timber is cut down ; every horse, pig, sheep — in fact, 
every live animal — is gone, and the family depend upon the 
charity of the officers. It is hard to think of, but they make 
no complaints, for their pride prevents them.^ 

"For one hundred and fifty years their family has owned 
Milton, and they do not forget it. Indeed, I was pleased with 
my visit, and promised to repeat it. 

"If you know, dear father, how hard it is for me to find 
time to write you would excuse my letters. I have been 
several hours at this, and it is now long after taps. Our tent 
has been filled with callers, so that I could not write one line. 

"Corts has just left the tent. He wishes to be remem- 
bered, and is obliged to you for troubles you have had with 
his boots. 

"Alex sends love to all. »Your daughter, 

"Annie." 

1 "Kenridge," the Hays home on Center avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 

2 A sample case of the straits to which the secession brought 
many Virginia families of former affluence. 



After Gettysburg— Efforts for Promotion 537 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Near Stevensburg-, Va., 
"Dear Sir: January 30th, 1864. 

"We received yours of the 27th. RacheF arrived the 
same day. Since then we have been exploring Rebeldom 
Have visited the ancient and venerable town of Culpepper and 
every place of interest within reach. Rachel visited our hos- 
pitals today, and returns delighted to realize that the work 
of the Sanitary Society is not in vain. Rachel rides horseback 
on Solomon like a trooper, and appears as happy as a bird. 
_ ^ "Annie subsides into the graceful ease of an invalid Her 
mjuries were purely accidental, and she is perfectly comfort- 

"I have endeavored to persuade Rachel to stay, as such is 
the desire of all parties, but she declares she must leave on 
Monday morning [ist February]. As Rachel will take 
charge of our little ones,' I think I will retain Annie, at least 
to perfect restoration of her wounds [received in service]. 

"In all respects, except the fractured arm,^ she is in per- 
tect health, and I never saw her look better. 

"On the whole, inasmuch as I may not soon again have 
an opportunity of 'entertaining an angel,' I will keep her, at 
least for a time. 

"Rachel will give you all the news. The weather has 
been, for some time past, extraordinarily mild and beautiful, 
but today it sets in again for a rain. 

"We have no more fear of Rebel operations than if we 
were located in Pittsburgh. We are four miles in the rear of 
our advance, and will have full notice, in any event, to provide 
tor the non-combatants.' Our camps are lively with female 
equestrians, and I must say I never saw a more pleased and 
joyous set of females. 

"Yesterday we rode out to Culpepper, saw its old 
grandeur, but missed the review we expected. 

"I will therefore permit Rachel to return home, I hope 
pleased, but I will retain Annie, expecting that among so 
many friends you will look out for our home. 

"That famous sword attracts universal admiration and 
the reputation of Pittsburgh's liberality does not suffer, com- 
mented upon by representatives of all our northern states. 

1 Miss Rachel McFadden, who was visiting the general with 



Mrs. Hays 

2Not( 
30th of J 
thrown from a horse. 



on.u'^^^^^^ *^® Interim between the letters from the 12th to the 
dOth of January. Mrs. Hays had her arm broken, having been 



538 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"Our kindest, warmest love to dear mother and Margaret 

and Kate, as well as to all the little branches of our tree. 

"God bless you all. 

"Yours sincerely, ,, , , 

■' "Alex. Hays, 

"Brigadier General. 

"P. S. — Rachel leaves on Monday with Corts." 

It was most natural for the New York boys to write home 
about their general. Letters went from all the regiments, 
especially the 126th, Colonel Bull's. An interesting letter 
from the latter records these incidents : 

"Last night our band, the finest I almost ever heard play, 
serenaded a lady of the Sanitary Commission,^ who is here. 
They played for nearly two hours, and such sweet music ! 
* * • Well do I remember the day we left Gettysburg. 
After being three days under fire and all worn out with 
fatigue, our division halted to rest near our corps hospital. 
This same band was playing. When finally they struck up 
'When This Cruel War Is Over' every heart seemed touched, 
every mind wandered to something absent. No one felt like 
saying a word. There was the hospital filled with men who 
a few days ago were as active as the best. Just then General 
Hays, our idol, came riding along, and instantly every hat 
went up and cheer upon cheer greeted him. With his hat in 
hand, as he rode along, he seemed possessed by the same 
feeling as the rest of us. The scene made a deep impression."^ 

IN EVIDENCE OF THE SOCIAL PHASE 

"Headquarters Third Brigade, Third Division, 
Second Army Corps, 

"February 5th, 1864. 
"General J. T. Owen 
"Requests the pleasure of General and Mrs. Hays' company 
this evening at 8 o'clock." 

GENERAL HANCOCK TO GENERAL HAYS 

"Albany, N. Y., February 8, 1864. 
"My Dear Hays: 

"Please send your photograph and your autograph. Ad- 
dress to Philadelphia. 

"Truly yours, 

"Winfield S. Hancock. 
"To Brigadier General Alexander Hays, 
"Second Corps, Army Potomac." 

1 Miss Rachel W. McFadden, Mrs. Hays' sister. 

2 Letter from Lieut. Lincoln, 126th New York, "Disaster, 
Struggle, Triumph," Page 208. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 539 



GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Morton's Ford, on the Rapid Ann, Va., 
"February 7th, 1864. 
"Dear Woman: 

"Yesterday and all day long we fought the Rebels — as 
usual, whipped them — as usual, because the Third Division 
was in advance. 

"Our success is most gratifying, although we have lost 
many [200 I am told]. Potter^ goes in, and will either take 
'Dave' Shields or ask you to come to him. He is severely 
wounded.^ Sullivan's horse 'Ruffian' is severely wounded in 
two places. 'Solomon' is shot all over, with a bullet, which 
I will give you, remaining in the saddle. Lynch had the top 
of his head knocked off [in the hat]. 'Solomon' and 'Ruffian' 
go in today. Please love them. I think 'Dave's' wound very 
serious, but no apprehensions of its being mortal. 

"Now, at 8 o'clock A. M. the guns are opening, and we 
may have 'fun alive' today. 

"I regret to report that the Rebels have ruined my new 
pants by a shot through them near the groin. 

"Carroll* is well and doing finely. Take Mrs. C. with 
you and order the ambulance. 

"Thine, 

"A. Hays." 

MRS. HAYS TO MRS. JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"In Camp, February 7th, 1864. 
Tuesday, 2 O'clock. 
"Dear Mother: 

"I started for the hospital this morning in an ambulance 
with blankets and a bed to bring David Shields in. When 
about a mile from here I met one of our orderlies, who told 
me that Lieut. Shields was dead and General Hays wounded. 
Mother, I thought my very heart would break when I listened 
to his account of our killed and wounded. We drove on 
about a mile, when we met Potter, Shields and an orderly. I 
came back with them, and have David in my Sibley tent. Dr. 
Cooper has dressed his wound, and, though a most serious 
one, there is no immediate danger ; the ball entered the left 
breast, under the nipple, and came out of his back, near the 
side. During the night he coughed and raised a quantity of 

1 This letter was written by General Hays, on the battlefield of 
Morton's Ford, to Mrs. Hays at headquarters. 

2 Lieut. Potter of the General's staff. Lynch also. 

3 Lieut. Shields, desperately wounded, never returned to active 
service. 

* Colonel S. S. Carroll, commanding the First Brigade. 



540 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



blood, besides having great difficulty in breathing. Since he 
came here he has not coughed at all, and is now sleeping as 
quietly as a babe. David was also shot in the right foot, 
the top of his middle toe is cut away, but the wound is very 
slight. He is as patient as possible and so thankful to have 
me here. A few minutes ago I was turning him ; he looked 
up and said, 'Oh, Mrs. Hays, what would I have done if Aunt 
Rachel had taken you home?' The doctor insists upon quiet, 
so I have a sentinel at the door, who cautions all who come 
in. I spoke of taking him home, but the doctor says the 
journey might prove fatal. 

'T will telegraph tomorrow and write every day; his 
mother may feel comfortable about him. I will do all in my 
power. 

"General Hays is so far uninjured, although his escape 
is miraculous. His horse 'Solomon' is shot in eight places ; he 
is doing well. 

"The hardest fighting was after dark. It was then David 
was shot; he was taken to the hospital and his wound dressed, 
but he could not sleep, so he is now making up for lost time. 

"There is no fighting in the Second Corps today ; the 
First or Sixth had some skirmishing this morning. It is 
thought we will not have more fighting at present, and that 
our men will be back tomorrow. 

"Ambulances are coming in all the time with the 
wounded. I have just been sent for to see Colonel Lockwood, 
7th West Virginia, who is shot in the shoulder, but it would 
not do for me to leave David, as he will require the most 
careful nursing. I got Mrs. Carroll to go to Lockwood.^ 

"Sunday Night, 11 O'clock. 
"The Third Division has just returned to camp ; they 
lost ten killed, one hundred and eighty-one wounded. 

"David is doing nicely; ate milk toast for supper and 
thought it very good. 

"Young Stanton^ goes to Washington in the morning. 
Mr. Hays has written a dispatch to send to you by him. 
"I will write tomorrow. 

"Yours, 

"Love to all." ''^""^^- 

Pittsburgh friends of the general and the 63rd Regi- 
ment were kept posted on occurrences at the front by able 
correspondents, one of whom writes The Pittsburgh Post as 
below after the afTair at Morton's Ford : 

1 Colonel Lockwood recovered and was mustered out at the end 
of his term of service — three years. 

2 The secretary's son. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 541 

FROM THE POTOMAC 



General Alexander Hays of Pittsburgh 

At 3 o'clock on the morning of February 6th, 1864, orders 
to move at 7 o'clock A. M. were very unexpectedly received 
at these headquarters to proceed to Morton's Ford, on the 
Rapidan. This was all that was known of the movement, and 
at the appointed time, everything being in readiness, the com- 
mand moved out and proceeded to the Ford, which is about 
five miles from Major General Warren's headquarters, who 
was in command of the corps, as well as the Second Division 
of the Third Corps, General Prince, who was ordered to report 
with his command to General Warren at Morton's Ford. The 
Third Division, commanded by the gallant Brigadier General 
Alexander Hays of Pennsylvania, having the advance, arrived 
first at the Ford, and after a short resistance by the Rebels, 
who were then as thick as blackberries in summer, the 
Rapidan was crossed a second time by the Army of the 
Potomac. Our brave veterans did not wait for the pontoons, 
but jumped into the river, and, in the face of a terrific storm 
of bullets from the enemy, who were strongly posted in rifle 
pits, rushed across and stormed the works, and took about 
forty-five prisoners. All this was not accomplished, of course, 
without loss. The 125th New York, which stormed the works, 
lost pretty heavily in wounded, but not in killed. The whole 
loss in the Second Corps will not exceed two hundred in killed 
and wounded. I do not think the Rebels took any prisoners. 
The conduct of General Hays in this last affair on the 
Rapidan cannot be too highly praised. He was right in the 
hottest part of the fight. Indeed it was feared that he was 
killed at one time, as he could not be found for some time, 
and his horse came in without a rider. Major General 
Humphreys, the accomplished chief of staff to General Meade, 
was present when the news was brought in. As all brave 
men admire bravery in others, he was greatly distressed 
until he heard that General Hays was safe. The veteran 
general had a volley poured right into the midst of his staff, 
but, fortunately, he escaped, though his horse fell under him, 
and one of his aides, Lieut. Shields, was badly wounded in 
the lungs. Brigadier General Alexander S. Webb, who com- 
mands the Second Division, Second Corps, was also con- 
spicuous for his bravery. General Webb is one of the young- 
est division commanders in the Army of the Potomac. He 
is also one of the most popular, for the reason that he is one 
of the most fearless. He is just the kind of a leader for brave 
men to follow. For the first time since its organization 
General Prince's Division, Second Division, Third Corps, has 
really been held in reserve, but it may not be for any length 
of time. We are still at the Ford and waiting. Sickles' boys 
are here. In haste, yours, Bohemian. 



542 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

It is not now remembered by any of the 63rd boys who 
"Bohemian" was. It was the custom often to write from the 
front under a nom de plume — one could say things then that 
he could not otherwise. 

Lieut. Lincoln^ of the 126th New York describes the 
splendid affair at Morton's Ford in a letter home a few days 
after. He says: 

"We left camp at 7 A. M., our brigade leading the corps. 
At 9 A. M. we reached the river, and so sudden was our ap- 
pearance that before they could gather up their things and 
leave we captured two lieutenants and nearly thirty men. 
The pontoons had been ordered up for us to cross on, but 
failed to get here in time, so in we plunged without regard 
to rank or station. General Hays, with the rest, with an ax 
assisted in clearing away the brush that obstructed the 
passage. The banks of the river were about eight feet high 
and of a soft red clay. The current of the river was very 
swift and the bottom very rough. On towards the enemy's 
works, with boots full of water and clothing wet, we rushed. 
When about three-fourths of a mile from the ford we halted, 
deployed our skirmishers, and soon found and engaged the 
enemy. For several hours ours was the only brigade over, 
and here, with a few hundred men, we were in the face of 
strong breastworks, lined with batteries, and well filled with 
men; but on went the line, up the hill toward the enemy's 
guns, till it rested near them, and there, under shot and shell 
and musketry, we held the position till nearly dark, when 
the Rebels made a grand charge along nearly the whole line 
with a force at least five to one ; but our men stood their 
ground manfully, contending for every inch of ground, till 
a fresh brigade came to their aid, when the enemy were 
checked and ourselves saved from annihilation. The river, 
with its steep banks, swift current and difficult crossing, was 
on two sides of us, and the enemy, confident in numbers and 
position, on the other two. To retreat was destruction ; to 
hold our position our only salvation ; and all understood it 
and met the charge of the enemy and repulsed it handsomely. 
We had no batteries over the river, no earthworks of any kind, 
nothing but our strong arms and willing hearts to protect us. 
About dark, while the charge was in progress, the remnant 
of our regiment was ordered to reinforce the left of the line. 
The rest of the regiment, as soon as relieved by the Second 
Brigade, recrossed the river about 7 P. M." 

iLieut. Spencer F. Lincoln, a young lawyer of Naples, N. Y., 
died of wounds received at Petersburg, June 16, 1864, then adjutant 
of the 126th New York Volunteers. — "Disaster, Struggle, Triumph," 
Page 215. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 543 

OFFICIAL REPORT OF OPERATIONS ABOUT MORTON'S FORD 

"Headquarters Third Division, Second Army Corps, 

"Lieut. Colonel F. A. Walker, ^'^'"^'y '^th, 1864. 

"Assistant Adjutant General: 
"Colonel: 

"In compliance with instructions I have the honor to 
report the operations of the division which I have the honor 
to command. 

"On the 6th and 7th inst., in obedience to circular, head- 
quarters, Second Army Corps, my division moved from can- 
tonment, and proceeded to Morton's Ford, on the Rapid-Ann. 

"Arriving in view of the river, and the enemy giving no 
evidence of opposition, it was deemed advisable to test his 
position and strength. 

"Under instructions from the general commanding the 
corps, I directed Brigadier General J. T. Owen, command- 
ing the Third Brigade, to select and throw forward as skirm- 
ishers three hundred of the best veteran troops of his com- 
mand. 

"A rapid dash brought them across the Rapid-Ann, al- 
though the river was cold and deep. 

"The ford was defended by rifle pits and unfinished 
abatis. It was, however, carried without the loss of a man 
and a capture of thirty of the Rebels. 

"Advancing to the ridge beyond everything was carried 
for three-quarters of a mile to a position giving us a full view 
of the enemy's camps and entrenchments. 

"Deeming it necessary to support my advance, I applied 
for and was reinforced with the remaining force of my divi- 
sion. 

"The position was held during the remainder of the day's 
light, but as night closed upon us we were spiritedly attacked 
by the Rebels on the right and left flanks. 

"Their attacks were gallantly and successfully repulsed, 
and at 6 o'clock P. M. quiet was restored, with our occupa- 
tion of our entire position. 

"I regret to forward such a long list of casualties, but it 
is solely attributable to the faltering of two regiments of con- 
scripts, or substitutes, now mainly comprising the 14th Con- 
necticut and 39th New York Volunteers. 

"If supported by our whole corps I have not the least 
doubt that we would have been enabled to capture the whole 
force of the Rebels, including camps and artillery, with less 
loss than we have suffered. 

"I would respectfully refer you to the accompanying 
reports of subordinate commanders, and can only commend 
them to the notice of the general commanding the army and 
the war department, awaiting an opportunity to set forth 
their particular claims. 



544 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"I enclose a list of killed, wounded and missing; none 
of our dead or wounded were left upon the field. 

"From reliable information received, I am satisfied a 
large Rebel force concentrated at Morton's Ford to oppose 
us on the succeeding day. 

"We recrossed the Rapid-Ann on the 6th, and returned 
to our present camps on the 7th inst. 

"I have neglectfully failed to call especial attention and 
notice to the conduct of the 7th West Virginia Volunteers, 
commanded by Lieut. Colonel J. H. Lockwood of the First 
Brigade. Distinguished always amongst the first and fore- 
most in battle, they, with their gallant leader, have enlisted 
for three years. The order for their return to their homes 
had been received and published. With a resolve to assist 
their old comrades in another day's trial, they marched with 
us, and returned, bearing with them to their homes one com- 
missioned officer and ten enlisted men wounded. 

"I ask recognition of my stafif ist Lieut. J. S. Sullivan, 
14th Indiana Volunteers, A., A., D. C, and acting assistant 
adjutant general, whose horse was severely wounded ; 2nd 
Lieut. David Shields,^ 63rd Pennsylvania Volunteers, A. D. C, 
severely wounded twice ; Capt. J. C. Lynch, ^ io6th Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers, whose hat was blown from his head by a 
shell. Lieut. W. E. Potter, acting judge advocate, and Lieut. 
John M. Fogg, acting ordnance officer, rendered efficient aid. 

"I am, colonel, very respectfully, 
"Your obedient servant, 

"[Signed] Alexander Hays, 
"Brigadier General Volunteers, 
"Commanding Third Division." 

In an account of the action at Morton's Ford, published 
just after, is taken the extract referring to General Hays :' 

"General Alexander Hays, commander of the Third Divi- 
sion of the Second Corps, whose reckless daring on many a 
battlefield has excited the astonishment and admiration of his 
troops, met with a narrow escape while on the other side of 
the river. A Rebel bullet pierced his trousers, burying itself 
in his saddle without inflicting a wound. Above his division 

1 Lieut. Shields was later promoted to captain and was tenderly 
nursed by Mrs. General Hays and Mrs. Colonel Carroll, who took 
turns at his bedside until all danger was passed. He modestly 
admits that he owes his life to the devotion and fidelity of these 
noble women. 

2 Lynch was later colonel of the 183rd Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers. Lieut. Potter and Lieut. Fogg were detached from the 12th 
New Jersey Volunteers. 

3 Official Reports, Army of the Potomac, Rebellion Record, Vol. 
VIII, Documents, Page 448. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 545 



flag is a silk streamer bearing the words, *Gk>d and My Coun- 
try,' an inscription heartily endorsed by the 'boys,' with 
whom he is a great favorite." 

MRS. HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"In Camp, February 20th, 1864. 
Saturday Evening, 
"My Dear Father: 

"Your letter of the 17th, with Rachel's enclosure, is just 
received, and if it was possible I would leave in the morning, 
but if I do so I leave Lieut. Shields in danger. I had a long 
talk with the surgeon this morning, and it is by his desire I 
remain. He thinks Shields is doing well, much better than 
anyone expected, but a very little thing would cause him his 
life ; the surgeon told me that Shields owes his life to my 
care, and complimented me on my nursing. I have had a 
serious time of it, but if I get him safely home I shall feel 
repaid. 

"Of my affairs at home I know not what to say or do. 
Poor Rachel ! What a time she has had with girls, and now 
to suffer with her foot ; it is too bad. 

"Ellen O'Regan was very anxious to come and live with 
me, and had a sister who was represented as a good girl. 
Suppose Rachel tries her. She lives on Washington street, 
between Wylie and Fourth street road, in Curling's court. 
I have forgotten her married name. She had cousins by the 
name of O'Regan, who lived near them, but I think my Rachie 
knows all about them.^ 

"Mr. Hays is quite well. He has been among his 
brigades today and came home in good spirits, as he found all 
doing well, but Mr. Shields can tell you all you wish to know 
about the Third Division, Second Army Corps. 

"I have written to Alden several times since I came 
here, and posted him in all the news. Dear boy, I can 
scarcely wait to see him. Indeed, dear father, I am homesick 
for my children, but I hope by this time next week we shall 
be on our way home. I will not remain longer, unless Shields 
should be much worse. I am afraid dear mother will be an- 
noyed with having the children so long with her, but Agnes 
must try and relieve her grandma as much as possible. 

"Corts, Shields and the general send the kindest regards. 

"Yours, 

"Annie.' 

1 Thus kept away, deeply solicitous for the wounded lieuten- 
ant, it is most natural that Mrs. Hays should worry about things at 
home and have a share of the Inevitable servant girl problem. Old 
Pittsburghers will smile of her mention of the Fourth street road, 
which is now Fifth avenue beyond the court house; and Curling's 
court likewise, which was near the Fort Pitt Glass Works, a chimney 
factory on Washington street. 



546 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"Senator Buckalew sent General Hays a copy of Mc- 
Clellan's reports. I will get you a copy as I pass through 
Washington. General Negley needs the support of all the 
newspapers, for he is very weak in the opinion of military 
men."i 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Near Stevensburg, Va., March 7th, 1864. 
"Dear Annie : 

"I am pleased to hear of your safe arrival at home 
through a letter received from your father. I can imagine the 
delight of the youngsters at seeing you again. 

"I think you might, however, have written me a short 
letter, but no doubt you were too much fatigued. I will expect 
a letter tomorrow, and will wait patiently for it. 

"Our log cabin appears very lonesome at night. During 
the day I hold court-martial for the trial of the unfortunate 
deserters from the Third Brigade. The poor Dutchman who 
was condemned 'to be shot to death with musketry' on the 
nth inst. has been reprieved at my request until further orders. 
I am glad it is so. 

"The army gayety is abating, and the ladies are leaving. 
Although 'Dad' Caldwell keeps it up and gives a concert, I 
am not one of the festive throng, and ain't I a disinterested 
lover writing to you? 

"I have forwarded the sword and picture by express. As 
you did not like the picture, let mother have it [?]. How are 
the rings^ received in Western Pennsylvania fashionable 
circles? 

"Corts is gaily whistling off his bereavement, and Sullivan 
is discussing the live stock, lumber and fruit business. Un- 
less he remains with me after his regiment leaves,^ which he 
will not do, I can have him retained by the War Department. 

"Queen has returned from the concert, and says they have 
changed it into a demonstration of 'the light fantastic, etc' 
It is now near 12 o'clock, and hearing that the Garibaldi 
Guards are also having a boisterous, if not a musical 'Swarry,'* 

1 Hearsay on Mrs. Hays' part. Negley was undoubtedly much 
talked of in army circles at this time. Whoever may care to verify 
Mrs. Hays' remarks here can consult "Campaigns of the Civil War," 
Vol. VH; "The Army of the Cumberland," by Brigadier General 
Henry M. Cist. 

2 These rings were pretty and unique. They were made of black 
bone, with the corps badge inlaid in silver, and are most valued 
souvenirs. 

3 The 14th Indiana Avas mustered out at Indianapolis, June 20, 
1864. The veterans and recruits were transferred to the 20th 
Indiana. Lieut. Sullivan remained. 

4 "Swarry," soiree. 



After Gettysburg— Efforts for Promotion 547 

I have dispatched Capt. Mattison, with the Provost Guards 
to squelch the rebelHon. ' 

"If I must be wide awake all day tomorrow you will not 
expect more on this occasion. 

"God bless you all and love to all. I will write often, if 
•' ^^ ' "Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 
"Dear Sir: "^^^^ Stevensburg, Va., March 7th, 1864. 

"Yours of the 4th reached me this evening. I write to 

Annie also by this mail. I am really pleased to hear that she 

and Dave' arrived safely at home, although sorry to hear 

Dave is in such condition. It may yet be serious, if he is 

not careful. 

"The McCIellan report I procured for you from Williams ^ 
He professes, and I think is, a warm friend of mine and we 
agree on the McC. question as two brothers. I saw Cowan 
as well as several other honorable Senators, and was treated 
with the 'highest consideration.' 

"Meade is now in the hands of the flint grinders, and 
Grant is on the road to Washington. I fear not for the best. 
His old army needs him. Of the next program we are as 
innocent as babes, but we abide by the moves upon the board 
most patiently, with full faith in Providence and the admin- 
istration. 

"Changes will be made in a new organization of the army 
and my present position may be required for some major 
general, who has 'skulked under hatches' for the last nine 
months. 

'The old division, which at Gettysburg numbered nearly 
ten thousand, now only constitutes a 'corporal's guard' of less 
than three thousand. If left with me it is still willing to try 
Its iron prow as on the 6th of February last, against the rotten 
hulk of rebellion. We shall see. 

"Before leaving Washington I forwarded my sword by 
Adams Express ; as also a large picture, and hope they will 
come safely. I think the picture goes to mother, if she wishes 
to retain it. My very warmest love to her. 

"I believe Annie appropriated my shotted coat. If so, 
she can distribute it among friends for luck. 

"Love to all of ours and kind remembrance to friends, 

"Yours sincerely, 

wo c n^ "A^ex. 

F. S.— Tom s2 papers were forwarded by mail, certified 
by an infamous old copperhead." 

1 Hon. Thomas Williams, M. C, of Pittsburgh. 

2 Thomas McPadden. 



548 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

GENERAL. HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Near Stevensburg, Va., March 14th, 1864. 
"Dear Wife: 

"I love that title because the law allows but one, while 
there are a thousand Annies. 

"Yesterday I received your father's letter of the nth, and 
was pleased to hear from you thusly, but regret to learn of 
your troubles in the family. God only knows how much I 
love you and our 'little ones.' Your three letters have arrived 
and are most satisfactory. 

"I am now writing by candle light, while reveille is sound- 
ing on 'Dumpling' Mountain. 

"I am sorry to say that a disagreement had arisen once 
again between myself and Corts, which has drawn from me 
a request that he be relieved from my staflF. His language 
and bearing towards the men of the command have become 
unbearable, and there is a universal indignation against him. 
All this is attributable to that young lady [?].^ 

"Sullivan takes his place as adjutant general, and makes 
an excellent one. Caesar died, but Rome still lives. 

"We have nothing new, but are resting in the most in- 
glorious state of inactivity. 

"Warmest love to all at home. I will send the rings, as 
you request. 

"I will write to your father tonight, 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

The letter below is a sample of "field correspondence" 
of the war period. It is from the Pittsburgh "Commercial:" 

SIGNAL STATION OF SECOND ARMY CORPS — GENERAL 

ALEXANDER HAYS — FIGHTING DIVISION GENERALS 

NOT ON SERVICE — COLONELS AND BRIGADIERS 

PERFORMING THEIR DUTIES 

Headquarters Third Division, Second Army Corps, 

March 14, 1864. 
Instead of going to Culpepper today I went to the signal 
station of the Third Division of the Second Army Corps, 
where I had, with the aid of a field glass, a view of Culpepper, 
Morton's Ford, and the enemy's lines away to the left, with 
the Blue Ridge [and the Rappahannock] plainly delineated, 
like the ramparts of the world, looming up to the west and 
southwest, with the Fredericksburg road winding up the hills, 
in the distance. 

1 Corts and the general made up. The general seems to have 
had a more than an ordinary regard for Corts or he certainly would 
not have tolerated the actions complained of. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 549 

Morton's Ford is famous for the crossing of the Third 
Division, under General Hays, when he leaped into the water 
and led his command across the stream at a point where the 
enemy had not fortified, and where they did not look for an 
attack. The history of the battle which then ensued, and of 
the final triumph of his command, is patent to the world. 

I am no eulogist of General Hays. His record needs 
nothing to bolster it. To Western Pennsylvanians, and to his 
friends, it is sufficient to know that he was the leader of the 
charge at Palo Alto when General Arista was captured. We 
all know him. Outside his camp, which I have only visited 
for two hours, he is known as the fighting general — an honor- 
able reputation, to say the least. At the battle across the Rap- 
pahannock his trefoil blue was carried successfully against 
fifteen hundred of Georgia's best troops — with but five or six 
hundred of his own — till 2 o'clock in the morning, when, un- 
supported by sufficient reinforcements, he recrossed with the 
balance of the command who had not left their bodies on the 
battlefield. 

Here springs the thought that there are many generals, 
both brigadier and major, who are drawing pay for the last 
six and twelve months, while colonels and brigadiers have 
performed their duties — even in some of the heaviest battles 
fought both in the armies of the Mississippi and Potomac. 
It would be supererogation to note instances, but General 
Alexander Hays is not less prominent as one, nor Colonel 
Isaac Pugh as another. 

Since the visit of Lieut. General Grant there is a world of 
speculation as to what changes will take place in command; 
whether there will be any or not ; and if there should be, who 
will be the one who will lead them? They feel confident, as 
soon as the roads permit, they will have work to do, and they 
seem willing to do it so soon as their supplies are ready and 
their depleted ranks are filled. There have been so many 
changes in the Army of the Potomac that it is not surprising 
they should evince curiosity upon this subject. My own im- 
pression is there will be no immediate change in this depart- 
ment. 

You might copy the following order of General Alexander 
Hays. I think it important and well timed: 

"Headquarters Third Division, Second Army Corps, 

"March 13, 1864. 
"General Order No. 22: 

"Hereafter in all engagements with the enemy, or on 
special service, the commanding officers of each regiment or 
detail is required to forward to these headquarters the name 
of at least one enlisted man more distinguished for good con- 
duct than his fellow-soldiers. 

"This recognition must be supported by evidence, and 



550 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

upon it meritorious services will be recommended for promo- 
tion in the individual. 

"By order of 

"[Signed] Brigadier General Alex. Hays, 

"Commanding Division. 

"J. S. Sullivan, Lieutenant and A. A. G." 

Tomorrow I shall visit the headquarters of General 
Meade, army postmaster, Culpepper, and Mitchell's Station, 
unless something new turns up. 

Nothing worth telegraphing. "All quiet on the Potomac." 

Eastern reporters are well known here as giving reports 
to suit the stock market in the East. Hence it is nothing 
strange to hear of Richmond having been captured, with 
twelve thousand prisoners, etc., only to be contradicted next 
day. B.^ 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Near Stevensburg, Va., March i8th, 1864. 
"Dear Annie: 

"I received yours of the 14th only yesterday and too late 
to answer it, as something had delayed the train. I am sorry 
to hear of your troubles and the suffering of poor little Pear- 
son. I am glad, however, that you have received 'help.' I 
fear it would have been impossible for me to have gone home 
if sent for at this time. 

"In a late letter, of what date I do not now recollect, I 
informed you of another difficulty with Corts. I am pleased 
now to say that he is now restored to my own, as well as his, 
great satisfaction, and I hope we will have no more jars. I 
fear his communications with a young lady may have soured 
his temper, and as usual he was disposed to visit his indigna- 
tion on the men, while I wished the officers to feel it if any- 
thing was wrong. 

"I am tonight sending to Washington another set of 
'horse claims,' with the assurance that the amount will be 
promptly paid. When so you shall receive 3^our dues. 

"I am pleased that you admire my picture at home. I 
knew you would whenever you got over your pet. 

"I have engaged the little rings, but the maker complains 
of a rush of business and I must wait. 

"If I possibly can procure them you shall also have the 
frames, as well as some pictures for your fair.- 

"Now, I will close for this occasion and fill up dead horse 
accounts. I believe I told you we cut one ball out of Solo- 
mon and he is doing well.^ 

1 The correspondent's name is not known. 

2 The great Sanitary Fair at Pittsburgh about to open. 

s For "Dan" and "Leet," killed at Gettysburg, the government 
paid four hundred dollars to Mrs. Hays after the general's death. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 551 

"Love to and God bless you all. I wish 'this cruel war 
was over,' for I, too, am homesick. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex. 
"Dr. Maull writes tonight, otherwise I enclose his picture. 
"I have been to see the doctor ; he will not write perhaps 
until next mail, and appears anxious to send his own picture. 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Near Stevensburg, Va., 
II O'clock P. M. March, 1864. 

[Supposed to have been written on the 18th of March. 
Postmarked at Washington on the 20th.] 
"Dear Sir: 

"This morning the tocsin was sounded from our advance, 
'The Rebels are crossing the Rapidan in force,' and the boys, 
tired of their long inactivity, fell in with a rush. After wait- 
ing a few hours they recrossed, and we are snug in our tents 
and cabins. It may only be a ruse, but we are on the alert 
and ready to meet them again whenever they extend an invi- 
tation. 

"You will expect a long letter at another time, for I am 
very weary, and, besides, I must confess a want of glasses, 
as I can scarcely distinguish the lines or words I am writing. 
I may be called again before morning, and only give you 'the 
results of the day: None killed, none wounded and none miss- 
ing.' 

"If all remains quiet tomorrow I will write to someone 
by daylight and more at length. Love to all at home, with 
best regards to friends. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO HIS FATHER, HON. SAMUEL HAYS 

"Near Stevensburg, Va., March 22nd, 1864. 
"Dear Father: 

"You need not make an effort to believe that I have for- 
gotten you. On the contrary, there is not a day passes that 
I do not think of you and mother with dutiful affection. I 
often wish I was able to exchange a few days of my life of 
turmoil for the quiet and rest I would find in a visit to you. 

"There is, however, no use wishing, as my pathway leads 
to Richmond or the grave. I have one consolation, at least, 
wherever I go I have good company. It is not denied that I 
command one of the best divisions in the army, and I believe 
that their attachment to me is unequalled. 

"As in former days I ride with a curb and spur; never- 
theless, they will follow where I lead or go where I direct. 



552 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



When I first took command of them they numbered nearly 
ten thousand; now there remains but one-third of that num- 
ber. Gettysburg, Mine Run, Locust Grove, Auburn, Bristoe 
and Morton's Ford each claimed a share of them, but in each 
and every one of these they swept the Rebels before them like 
chaflf. 

"For my own part I have been most fortunate under 
God's providence. 

"I have had so many shots in my horses since the war 
began that I am unable to enumerate them. 

" 'Dan,' after having received five balls in previous ac- 
tions, lost a portion of one hoof by a shell, and fifteen minutes 
afterwards was killed by a cannon-ball through his heart. 
This was at Gettysburg. 

" 'Leet' had received two balls in previous engagements, 
and at Gettysburg was completely riddled. I did not attempt 
to count his wounds ; perhaps I could not have done so, for 
he was covered with blood. He died in Gettysburg. 

"In our last action at Morton's Ford Solomon was shot 
twice, one ball passing entirely through his body; one ball 
lodged in the saddle ; my clothes were cut thirteen times ; 
three holes in my drawers, and yet not a scratch on my body. 
Is that not Providence? 

"I believe I am preserved for some good end yet. Ask 
mother. 

"In this last action one of my aides was twice wounded, 
once in the breast and through the body, but he will recover. 

"You will think this is a horse letter perhaps, but when 
you were forty-four you loved horses. I have one more still 
to introduce — my mare 'Secessia.' She has been in the thick- 
est fight, but has never been touched. She is as beautiful, 
brave, swift and docile as ever Arab owned. 

"Like her master, she appears to have a charmed life. 

"We are now receiving some reinforcements, although 
we expect this, the Second Corps, is soon to be raised to about 
fifty thousand men. This will swell my division [Third] to 
ten or twelve thousand. 

"The Senate is now driving back to its duty the horde of 
major generals who have so long evaded it, and it may be that 
I will be required to give up my division, which I have com- 
manded for nearly a year, and go back to my own brigade. 
So be it if the cause prospers. 

"I do not anticipate that this letter will prove very inter- 
esting, but I will do better next time. 

"God bless you and mother. Give her my warmest love, 
and say that 'still water runs deepest.' 

"Your son, 

"Alex. 

"P. S. — I do not use spiritous liquors in any form." 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 553 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Near Stevensburg, Va., March 22nd. 
"Dear Annie: 

"You see I am complying with your wishes, and hope in 
the next to fill the contract for 'twelve pages.' I have no 
letters today, and it is storming out of doors furiously. The 
snow comes in whirlwinds, but I do not feel a draught, as I 
sit here in my stockade. I have built a new chimney, which 
draws like a mule team. A rousing fire has driven me towards 
the door. It is too comfortable, and now the storm comes 
with redoubled fury, and roars around the tent, as if design- 
ing to descend through the vent hole, but is afraid of the big 
fire. 

"Under such distressing circumstances I am induced to 
write all the news of the neighborhood. 

"I spent the evening at Carroll's, and Mrs. Carroll and I 
beat Carroll and Sullivan two rubs at euchre. She is well, but 
was terribly frightened when the enemy's advance was re- 
ported. I think I never saw her look better. She is growing 
fat and plump. 

"I don't know whether I told you of my new spring 
wagon. It is said to be the most complete one in the army. 
The seats front to the driver, but have lifts, which form a 
complete bed. The covering is very close, and it will be very 
comfortable. Mrs. C. takes her airings in it. 

"I have never seen, or been able to find. Dr. MacDougall's 
letter. The manuscript I have, but not the printed. I will 
write for another copy. 

"Yesterday I went to 'Stony Mountain' and reviewed my 
Second Division. I never saw men in more splendid condi- 
tion, and I tell you the sight of them caused my heart to swell. 

"Your picture frames are ordered and promised soon. I 
have not yet seen about more rings. Although Arnold^ was 
to see me today, I forgot to speak to him about them. Arnold 
has just returned from conveying his dear little wife to Wash- 
ington. 

"My dear, I am forced to blush on your account. You, 
you dear old thing, the mother of nine, said to be the most 
beautiful and sweetest woman who visited the Army of the 
Potomac — a universal favorite ! Oh, jimminy ! Just read that 
to Jeemes.^ 

"There is no item of news in this region. 'Solomon's is 
getting well since we cut the lead out of him. I will not 
purchase Thompson's horse, but will 'struggle' on without 
him. 'Secessia' is in prime condition, and as beautiful as a 

1 Capt. William A. Arnold, of Battery A, First Rhode Island 
Artillery. 

2 Mrs. Hays brother, James B. McFadden. 



554 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

picture. I would have had her photograph taken if the 
weather had permitted today for 'Jim,' inasmuch as you told 
me you did not want any more pictures. 

"I eat three times a day, as usual, but am becoming much 
more fashionable, dining at 4 P. M., and now, nearly 10 o'clock, 
have called for supper, which consists of 'pie and milk.' 

"I drink nothing but tea, milk and water. 

"Love to all and God bless dittos. 

"I forgot to say that I never enjoyed better health, and 
that all the boys are well, and wished to be remembered. 

"Again, God bless you. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 



As early as December 15, 1863, the field and line officers 
of the Third Division, Second Corps, had joined in a petition 
to the President asking promotion for General Alexander 
Hays. This most appreciative act on the part of his subor- 
dinates was supplemented April 12, 1864, by a petition from 
many of the most representative of Pittsburgh's citizens to the 
General Assembly of Pennsylvania, seconding the efforts of 
the members of that body in the same direction.^ 

Of these gratifying marks of personal esteem and a just 
appreciation of his services in the field. General Hays and his 
family were very proud, especially the tribute of his subor- 
dinates. Twenty-three names were appended to this paper — 
all good soldiers, tried in the fiame and shock of battle. Many 
of these brave men fell as did their chief — on the battle line — 
in the fiercest hell of war — true to their ideals, true to the 
manhood and valor as exemplified in Alexander Hays and no 
less in themselves. Lieut. Colonel Meyer was killed in the 
Wilderness, Colonel Coons and Lieut. Colonel Davis at Spott- 
sylvania, Lieut. Colonel Baird in front of Petersburg, June 
16, 1864; Major Smith on the Boydtown Plank Road, and 
Brigadier General Thomas A. Smyth, who had fought the 
war through, fell at Farmville, April 7, 1865, two days before 
Lee's surrender. 

General Hays was well aware of the efiForts of his friends 
in his behalf, and speaks of the delay, and jocularly refers to 
the firm of "Lincoln & Stanton," forwarders of stars, in a 
later letter and chafes under the delay. It was the unanimous 

1 The full text and the signatures to these petitions will be 
found in the appendix hereto lettered H. 



After Gettysburg — Efforts for Promotion 555 

opinion of all the general's friends that he had earned an 
extra star, and in this opinion the Pittsburgh public gener- 
ally acquiesced, and there was a widespread desire through- 
out the state and a conviction that Pennsylvania deserved all 
the honors that could be obtained and Alexander Hays was 
worthy of all honor. 

Two days after General Hays' death Governor Curtin 
penned the folloAving letter to General Hays : 

"Pennsylvania Executive Chamber, 

"Harrisburg, Pa., May 7, 1864. 
"Dear General : 

"I made the promotions you indicated, and in that respect 
your letter is answered. 

"I have asked and written in your behalf for a just pro- 
motion when opportunity affords, and will continue to do so 
in future. 

"I trust you will live through the coming battles and add 
new honors to your name and State. 

"Yours truly, 

"A. G. Curtin. 
"Brigadier General Alexander Hays." 

On the records the date of General Hays' commission as 
brevet major general. United States Volunteers, is May 5th, 
1865, one year after his death. The letter of Mr. E. L. Stan- 
ton shows that the commission was dated back — certainly 
ample evidence of post-mortem appreciation. 

"War Department, 

"Washington City, April 15th, 1867. 
"Dear Mrs. Hays: 

"My father had already ordered the general's nomination 
to brevet major general to be sent up when your letters 
reached me. The Senate has since confirmed it, and I have 
the pleasure of forwarding herewith the commission. 
"Believe me as ever, 

"Very truly yours, 

"E. L. Stanton. 
"Mrs. General Hays, Pittsburgh, Pa." 

It was as certain as anything in war that Brigadier 
General Alexander Hays would have gone higher in rank, and 
perhaps higher in fame, by reason of the higher rank, for 
more than one general went down to death and grievous 



556 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

wounds, but death came to him, not in the moment of supreme 
victory as it might have at Gettysburg, but in the deadly 
struggle to hold the lines along the Brock Road, and ere suc- 
cess came, and night spread its gloom, the gallant — yea, the 
illustrious — Hays then was no more, and night had saved 
the foe, for with the awakening dawn there came reinforce- 
ments and a renewal of desperate battling. 

But Alexander Hays had passed to immortality. He had 
fought his last battle, and had entered upon his last sleep, 
and henceforth was a memory. There were other gory fields 
to come, ever to be remembered horrors, called up in the 
mention of Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor and Petersburg, and 
throughout the weary months there was ample cause for 
Moloch, "Prince of the Realm of Tears," to be glad, for in 
the history of men there had ne'er been so much of human 
sacrifice; and looking backwards after the lapse of a half 
century the Miltonian metaphor comes to mind in all its grim 
truth — and then there was of a certainty on the soil of 
America — 

"A black Gehenna called the type of Hell." 



CHAPTER XVII. 

WHEN GRANT CAME 

BY THE act approved February 29, 1864, Congress 
revived the grade of lieutenant general of the army, 
and authorized the President to assign the officer he 
should appoint to the grade, to the command of the armies 
of the United States, during his pleasure. March 9, 1864, 
Major General U. S. Grant received his commission and was 
so assigned. The very next day he visited the Army of the 
Potomac, the headquarters of which were near Brandy 
Station, on the Orange & Alexandria Railroad, some seventy 
miles from Washington. He then and there announced to 
General Meade that he proposed to make his headquarters 
with that army. Why he so determined is best told by 
General Badeau,^ and the facts are too old and too well known 
to discuss here. Let us paraphrase briefly if threadbare from 
frequent, usage: Grant came, Grant saw, Grant — ^brought 
peace. Grant's first act was the reorganization of the corps 
composing the Army of the Potomac. They were too many 
even then, yet five only. Infantry corps are meant, and there 
had been seven at and before Gettysburg, and even eight 
when Burnside's was included. Howard's and Slocum's 
Corps, the Eleventh and Twelfth, had been sent to the west 
and consolidated. Burnside and his Ninth Corps had returned 
to the field of warfare in Virginia. General Meade had as 
early as March 4th recommended the consolidation of the 
infantry corps into three. Grant approving, the order was 
issued March 23rd, and the First and Third Corps, and the 
glory of Reynolds and Kearney, and Sickles, and Berry, and 
Whipple, and a score of lesser fame, became memories only. 

The Third Corps was made the Third and Fourth Divi- 
sions of the Second Corps under Generals Birney and Mott; 

1 "Military History of General Grant," Badeau, Vol. H, Page 14. 

557 



558 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

the Second Corps being formed into two divisions under 
Generals Barlow and Gibbon, Birney and Mott had but two 
brigades each, Barlow four and Gibbon three. Brigadier 
General J. H. Hobart Ward was assigned to the command of 
the First Brigade of Birney's Division, and Alexander Hays 
to the Second Brigade. The First Corps was consolidated 
with the Fifth, the two divisions being numbered the Second 
and Fourth, under Generals Robinson and Wadsworth, the 
remaining troops of the Fifth Corps being likewise incor- 
porated into two divisions, the First and Third, under Generals 
Griffin and Crawford, the latter the two brigades of the Penn- 
sylvania Reserves. The Sixth Corps received the addition of 
two brigades that had constituted the Third Division of the 
Third Corps since July 9, 1863. This was under the command 
of General J. J. Ricketts. General Warren took command of 
the Fifth Corps, relieving Sykes, and Hancock returned to 
the Second, and saw most of it buried between the Rappa- 
hannock and the James, perhaps, more strictly speaking, the 
Rapidan and the Appomattox. The Ninth Corps was a 
separate command until the 24th of May, when it became 
part of the Army of the Potomac, directly under orders of 
General Meade. The cavalry corps was formed in three divi- 
sions in command of P. H. Sheridan. Such was the effective 
force under Grant that began the movement "by the left 
flank" on the night of the 3rd of May, 1864 — 100,000 men 
"present for duty equipped."^ 

These facts, and all that need be considered as prelim- 
inary to the opening of the campaign, are succinctly given 
by General Humphreys, then chief of stafif to General Meade. 
Alexander Hays, however, tells much in his letters. Pie puts 
most forcibly the feelings of the rank and file in regard to 
the new order of things, and justly and properly calls it "a 
military necessity." In his farewell address to his old Third 
Division it is sad to observe that the general's hopes were 
never realized, even by those who were in line at Appo- 
mattox.^ 

t "The Virginia Campaign of 1864-1865," Chapter I. 

2 For an epitome of the service of General Alexander Hays* 
original brigade from the date he took command, January 9, 1863, 
to May 5, 1864, date of General Alexander Hays' death, see Ap- 
pendix G. 



When Grant Came 559 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Near Stevensburg, Va., 
"Dear Wife • "Wednesday, March 23, 1864. 

"I am reminded of an old adage, 'It never rains but it 
pours.' I received three letters from you by one mail some 
time ago. For the last three days I have received nothing. 

"This morning the ground was covered with snow to the 
depth of a foot. I have no doubt it will influence our spring 
campaign and delay it. 

"Hancock arrived today at army headquarters. Grant is 
expected daily.^ 

"I took dinner at General Warren's with Webb today. 
We had a pleasant time, and talked over the past as well as 
prognosticated for the future. You see what good hours I 
keep when I am at home at 9 o'clock writing to you. 

"We expect Hancock will come up tomorrow and then 
we may learn something.^ 

"All the boys are well and in good spirits. 

"I send you General Warren's photograph as you de- 
sired. His wee wife left him this morning in a terrible state 
of 'forlornity.' 

"I write only to scold you for your silence. Good-bye. 

"God bless you and love to all the dear ones at home. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex. 

"Short but sweet, like a roasted ." 

ALEXANDER HAYS, BRIGADIER GENERAL COMMANDING, 
SUBMITS QUESTION OF RANK BETWEEN HIM- 
SELF AND GENERAL J. B. CARR 

Regarding the questions raised by General Hays in the 
correspondence below, it may be stated that General Carr 
was sidetracked in a few days to another field. 

GENERAL HAYS TO GENERAL WILLIAMS 
"Headquarters Third Division, Second Army Corps, 

"General: "^'"'^'^ ^4th. 1864. 

"I have been informed by Major General Hancock that 

Brigadier General J. B. Carr is assigned to the command of 

one of the divisions of the Second Corps while I am assigned 

to the command of a brigade. 

1 General Grant came on the 26th and established headquarters 
at Culpepper. 

2 Hancock's return to the army; absent, wounded, since Gettys- 
burg. 



560 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"By every consideration I supposed the division in which 
I have had the honor to command for some nine months would 
be permitted to remain intact. 

"Since, however, the disposition and assignment above 
mentioned have been published, I feel bound, in duty to my- 
self, to call the attention of the general commanding the army 
to the following facts : 

"General Carr was nominated September 7th, 1862, and 
was not confirmed by the Senate. His appointment expired 
by constitutional limitation March 4th, 1863, and he was re- 
appointed by the President. 

"Again the Senate takes up the list of nominations a few 
days since and General Carr's is not confirmed. 

"I have once before been overslaughed by a junior officer 
for no assigned cause on my part that I am aware of, and I 
cheerfully submitted to the supposed exingency of the service. 

"It would be unbecoming to me as an officer to again 
submit to a repetition without cause. 

"I hold a commission as brigadier general of volunteers 
from the President of the United States. General Carr, I 
believe, does not. 

"If any claim is laid as belonging to the Third Army 
Corps it will be found that I am fully as well identified with 
that corps under General Heintzelman and the lamented 
Kearney as any officer in it. 

"I only ask investigation [see page 106, Army Regu- 
lations, Vol. XIII] and justice. 

"Very respectfully, 

"Your obedient servant, 

"Alex. Hays, 
"Brigadier General Volunteers. 
"Brigadier General S. Williams, 

"Assistant Adjutant General, 
"Army of the Potomac." 

"Headquarters Third Division, Second Army Corps, 

"Alexander Hays, "^"''^ ^4, 1864. 

"Brigadier General Commanding: 

"Respectfully forwarded with the request that this matter 
may be disposed of at once. According to the programme 
shown me by Major General Meade, General Carr ranked 
General Hays. If it proves that he does not, yet according to 
the brief of General Meade as to the Third Corps I cannot 
act upon the matter without reference to him. 
"I therefore refer it to him. 

"Respectfully forwarded, 

"W. S. Hancock, 
"Major General, 
"Commanding Second Corps. 



When Grant Came 561 



"P. S. — I should have stated that I have assigned General 
Carr to the command of the division lately commanded by 
General Prince according to the intention of General Meade, 

"I have just been informed by General Mott^ that he ranks 
General Hays and General Ward [so the register shows]. He 
also makes the same claim as General Hays to rank General 
Carr." 

GENERAL WILLIAMS' ANSWER 

"Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

"March 25th, 1864. 

"Respectfully returned. On the list of general officers 
furnished the commanding general by the general-in-chief, 
Brigadier General J. B. Carr appears as appointed September 
7, 1862; Brigadier General Mott as appointed September 7, 
1862 ; Brigadier General Alexander Hays as appointed Sep- 
tember 29, 1862, and Brigadier General Ward as appointed 
October 4, 1862. Brigadier General Carr is therefore the rank- 
ing officer, and there would be sure to be no question between 
himself and General Hays. 

"Received headquarters, Second Corps, March 24, 1864. 

"As to the command of the division. 

"The point raised by General Mott and General Hays as 
to the validity of General Carr's appointment was some time 
since submitted to the War Department for decision, pending 
which the commanding general must recognize the appoint- 
ment. 

"It was the design of the commanding general that the 

two divisions transferred to the Second Corps from the Third 

should be commanded by officers of the Third Corps. 

"By command of ..tit • ^ 1 tvt j 

^ "Major General Meade. 

"Seth Williams, 

"Assistant Adjutant General." 

Headquarters, Second Army Corps, 

"March 25, 1864. 
"Respectfully returned to Brigadier General Hays, com- 
manding Third Division, whose attention is invited to the en- 
dorsement at headquarters Army of the Potomac. 

"By command of ,,, , • ^ , tt 1 

Major General Hancock. 

"Francis A. Walker, 

"Assistant Adjutant General." 

1 Brigadier General Gersham Mott of New Jersey, who became 
a full major general later. Carr and Mott were nominated the same 
day, Carr preceding on the list. Mott was confirmed, but Carr was 
not, and was renominated as claimed by General Hays, thus losing 
his precedence. Mott was assigned to the command of the Fourth 
Division, Seccttd Corps, later the Third Division, and commanded it 
to the end of the war. 



562 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

When Grant came with the consolidated corps and the 
many supernumerary officers, General Carr was disposed with 
many others — good men and true — and this question did not 
arise again. General Carr was given the command of a 
separate brigade in the defenses of Bermuda Hundred, where 
he remained until the end of the war. 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Near Stevensburg, Va., 
"Dear Wife: March 25th, 1864. 

"By writing to you I write to everybody, and as I have 
now only sufficient time to write one letter here goes. 

"Three letters from you were received last night. Things 
were in such a state that I could make neither head nor tail 
of them, so I did not attempt to answer yours last night. I 
had hoped that order would have arisen out of chaos, but to- 
night it is still undeveloped. 

"An attempt is being made to reorganize the army, and 
so far it has been worse than a farce. As I anticipated and 
intimated in a former letter, absent officers of higher rank 
than myself have been ordered to the army. 

"The Third Corps has been broken up, but to complete 
the sacrifice the Third Division, Second Corps, is called upon 
to disband. The noble old organization still survives, and I 
am still its commander, but in a few days I fear it will be 
like 'the baseless fabric of a vision.'^ 

"The enemies of our country have, in times past, assailed 
it in vain, and now it dissolves by the action of our own 
friends. Apropos, 'Save me from friends, and I will take care 
of my enemies.' 

"There has been considerable excitement on the subject. 
Many of the officers of the old division assembled at head- 
quarters to await my return from Hancock. 

"When I announced the dissolution of 'our old pet,' 
silence, and each lowered head spoke louder than words, the 
disappointment if not mortification of all. 

"It was very touching to me, at the same time very flatter- 
ing, as it tested the feeling of my subordinates. 

"Reports flew from brigade to brigade. I was at first as- 
signed to my Centreville boys, and they were very jubilant, 
cheering the news lustily ; all except the Garibaldi Guards. 
One of them was heard to exclaim, 'H — 11, old Hays is coming 
back, and there won't be a man of us alive.' 

"At the same time my Kearney Brigade, with the 63rd 
Pennsylvania, laid claim to me. Birney solicited me, on their 
behalf and his own, very urgently, and I accepted. I am, 

1 "The Tempest," Act IV, Scene 1. 



When Grant Came 563 



therefore, back where I began the war, and the 63rd is under 
my command. I have a larger command than the Third Divi- 
sion. 

"I go in the morning to assume command. I will then 
endeavor to see Grant, whose headquarters are at Culpepper. 

"Our camp lies near Culpepper, near the house where we 
went to attend the review. 

"Warren is assigned to command the Fifth Corps. I have 
a very warm friend in him. 

"Mrs. Carroll is well, getting fatter and fatter, but raves 
because Sprigg^ is not promoted. 

"CaldwelP is relieved and ordered to Washington. Mrs. C. 
left day before yesterday. 

"Preparations have been commenced to move to Rich- 
mond with an overwhelming force. 

"It may be that we are unable to move before the first of 
May. 

"It is now raining torrents, and the roads will be almost 
impassable. 

"You will find this a military epistle, with very little love 
in it, but another time I will make it up. 

"Tell dear little Rachel ^ that I will write her a long letter 
as soon as I get settled in my new command. The gloves I 
will send home by the first opportunity offered. 

"I am afraid I shall not be able to procure the picture 
frames for you, as the manufacturer has more orders than 
he can fill. I will, however, do the best I can. 

"Now,-as my sheet is nearly filled, I will prepare to close. 
Sincerest love to all and regards to friends. A long letter, 
dated 22nd, from your father has just arrived, and will be 
answered tomorrow, if possible. "Your husband 

' "Alex. 

"N. B. P. S. — Coffee, tea, milk and water are the only 
beverages used. 

"The paymaster is expected daily and I will send you two 
hundred dollars. The horse pay will also soon be received, 
and I will give you two hundred dollars of that. 

"Good-night." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Near Stevensburg, Va., 
"Dear Annie: Sunday, March 26th, 1864. 

"I have just finished as handsome a boquet as daffadown- 
dillies can be arranged into when the mail boy handed me two 

1 General Carroll's middle name. 

2 General John C. Caldwell, assigned to duty in Washington as 
president of the Advisory Board, War Department. 

3 The general's second daughter, now Mrs. John S. Sullivan. 



564 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



letters from you of i6th and 17th ; also received one of 15th 
inst. 

"Now, business over, we commence twelve pages of love 
letter. Well, after all your scolding you did receive one more 
letter. There are at least two more on the road, but I am not 
responsible for mails, if I am for one male. 

"I will attend to the case of young McClelland at once, 
and think I can obtain what his mother desires, only I will 
increase it to ten days.^ If I can procure the photographs I 
will send them. I have engaged the picture frames, and will 
try the rings, but will it not be expensive? 

"I will see Kilpatrick and present the ladies' requests. 

"Lieut. General U. S. Grant gave us a very fleeting call. 
I called to see him, but he was out. He returns in a few days, 
and maybe he will see enough of the A. P. I will, however, 
have opportunity of seeing him and will report. 

"In the Commercial ^ correspondent's account the word 
Rappahannock should be Rapidan, otherwise it does great 
injustice to Brigadier General D. A. Russell, major 8th Regi- 
ment, U. S. A., now commanding a division in the Sixth Corps, 
General Sedgwick. I crossed the Rapidan, but he crossed the 
Rappahannock in a similar manner. Ask your father to see 
the editor and make correction. 

"Now, dearest, my paper is nearly out. I will write 
often. I am really pleased with your attention and forgive 
your scoldings. I will transmit all the news from time to 
time. We have none now. 

"Give love to all, in town and out of town, and God 
bless all. 

"Your husband, 

"Send me the Commercial." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Near Stevensburg, Va., 
March 27th, 1864. 
"Dear Wife: 

"I suppose I must write or receive a scolding. 

"This morning we started to General Birney's headquar- 
ters. I did not visit the soldiers, as I had other matters on 
hand. I have ridden at least thirty miles, and 'Secessia' ran 
all the way through mud and mire. She came home as fresh 
as she started, but I am very tired. 

"On the road out we met General and Mrs. Birney, and 

1 A furlough for a Pittsburgh soldier. 

2 "The Pittsburgh Commercial" in the late 70's consolidated 
with the "Gazette." C. D. Brlgham was the editor referred to. 



'Alex. 



When Grant Came 565 



such 'racing and scraping' since Lochinvar ran off with fair 
Ellen was never seen. 

"On our arrival at headquarters she complained of being 
dreadfully tired, as she had never taken such a ride in her 
life. I apologized, and declared that I had only ridden fast to 
keep up with her, when she confessed she had ridden so fast 
to keep up with me. We had lunch, and I saw the baby, a 
sweet little fellow eighteen months old, Philip Kearney 
Birney. She is a very handsome and clever woman. I made 
love to the baby. 'The way to a woman's heart is through 
her children.' Wagered with the mother, on the number of 
babies, and won with three to spare. 

"She was much interested in the family, and regretted 
not having met you. She promised to call upon Alden, as 
she lives near the institute.^ 

"I feel perfectly satisfied with my position and command. 
Alone, I shall be able to hurl five thousand on the foe. Ward 
will have nearly five thousand more, and the whole is a unit. 

"Mrs. Ward was out riding, and I did not see her. 

"Tomorrow we move, bag and baggage. 

"Solomon is so well I shall be able to ride him in a few 
days. 

"Love to all. "Your husband, 

"Alex. 

"No letters today. 

"Tell Rachel to be patient, and she shall have a letter as 
soon as I get settled." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"In Old Quarters, March 27th, 1864. 
"Dear Annie : 

"I have returned from court-martial at Culpepper, eaten 
my supper, for which I was very ready, as I had not eaten 
all day. I found the mail arrived, with two letters from you, 
22nd and 25th. Can't read flower talk, but suppose it is all 
right with your interpretation. Your words are sweeter than 
the flowers. 

"I am all alone, but not lonely, in my log cabin ; except- 
ing the negroes, and my private orderlies and driver, with a 
guard of ten men. The brigade moved yesterday into camp, 
about a mile distant. 

"Until court-martial is adjourned or we move, I will not 
change quarters. 

"I have never been better or more comfortably prepared 
for a campaign. 

1 The Pennsylvania Institute for the Blind. The Birneys lived 
in Philadelphia. General Birney did not survive the war; broken 
down by the severe physical strain he died in Philadelphia, Decem- 
ber, 1864. 



566 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"I have 'Secessia' and 'Solomon,' besides two fine extra 
horses, allowed me by orders. I have my excellent and ad- 
mired 'spring' wagon, with the two sorrel horses of your ac- 
quaintance, but as fat as seals. ; for heavy transportation two 
six-mule teams, and for immediate provision my own pet 
mule, 'Puss,' with Edwin as trainmaster and cook. 

" 'Peggy' and 'Crumpy' [cows] will bring up the rear. 
I have a churn, and have turned dairyman. 

"If I follow yours, to answer all, it will require a longer 
letter than I can write, and I must write to mother, also, to- 
night. 

"Your last two hundred dollars left today. As all com- 
munication with Washington has been suspended for some 
days, I think you will get your check safely ; answer upon its 
receipt. I will also write to Colonel Puleston^ and ask him 
to send you as much more out of the horse claim should it 
be paid while I am beyond the reach of communicating with 
Washington. 

"Any letters from me may be the last for many days, as 
we are only awaiting the bugle call to 'forward.' 

"No army was ever better prepared or more sanguine, 
although we estimate the cost as heavy. I have nothing to 
fear, and will be only subject to the usual chances of a 
soldier's life. I have implicit confidence in my men, and be- 
lieve it is returned with double interest. 

"If I was young I might become spoiled by adulation, 
or go wild from unrestrained wilfulness. Everybody [ex- 
cepting my wife] takes it for granted that it is the best way 
to treat me. 

"Everything is very bright before me. 

"Well, bobolink, what do you think? I got a note from 
Mrs. Lee A. Beckham - today. She wants 'pork and beans/ 
and Lee is a quartermaster 'away down South in Dixie.' I 
will not let her want, but I promise to shoot Lee after the 
first summons. What changes this war have brought about ! 

"Tomorrow we have no court, waiting for Colonel A. B. 
McCalmont as witness. I will write to Alden and send his 
flag. I enclose two dollars for Agnes to buy 'Gala Days,' by 
Gail Hamilton, which must be read aloud by her. 

"Love to all, and will write to Rachel today or tomorrow. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

1 Colonel Puleston, military agent of Pennsylvania at Washing- 
ton, D. C. 

2 The Beckhams, Kentuckians, formerly resided in Allegheny, 
now the North Side, Pittsburgh, where Major Armistead Beckham, 
the father of Lee, was warden of the Western Penitentiary of Penn- 
sylvania for many years. 



When Grant Came 567 

MRS. CROSMAN TO GENERAL HAYS 

"Philadelphia, March 29, 1864. 
*'Sir: 

"May I soHcit the favor of half a dozen of your auto- 
graphs? I am about preparing as many photographic albums 
for our 'Great Sanitary Fair,' and wish to place the autograph 
of each distinguished person underneath his photograph. 

"Please direct to care of Colonel G. H. Crosman, U. S. A., 
Philadelphia. 

"Yours respectfully, 

"Mrs. G. H. Crosman. 
*'To General Alexander Hays." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. CROSMAN 

"Dear Madam: 

"It is with sincere pleasure to me that I comply with 
your request for autographs. 

"The delay to give you an earlier answer occurred from 
a misdirection of your note. 

"I am where I have always been, and where I always 
desire to be, in the field, and confronting the enemies of my 
country. 

"I also enclose a photograph of myself, said to be good. 
It may aid you in detecting spurious presentments, of which 
I am informed there are some. It is all I have at hand at 
present, otherwise I would have supplied your albums. 

"On behalf of the four thousand noble men I have the 
honor to command, permit me to express to our patriotic 
ladies at home our united gratitude and appreciation of their 
generous design in behalf of our suffering comrades. 

"Other nations need not wonder at the chivalric courage 
and reckless daring of our soldiers when it is recognized by 
such appreciation. 

"Most sincerely yours, 

"Alex. Hays, 
"Brigadier General." 

STORY OF A CANNONEER 

Miss Helen C. Rickard in her book speaks most kindly 
of General Hays' sojourn at Stevensburg, as follows : 

"The first infantry commander we became acquainted 
with was General Hays from Pennsylvania. He was a very 
nice gentleman, and made our house his headquarters for 
several weeks. I remember that his adjutant was named 
Capt. Corts. The general was a nice, fatherly man, and we 
all liked him very much. They had twelve wall tents in our 
front yard, and the command was camped all out around and 



568 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



back of Church Hill and over to Cole's Hill. He was very- 
kind to us all, and got lots of things for us from the commis- 
sary. His sutler [Capt. Kirby I think his name was] had his 
store in our corn-house, and we could also purchase from him. 
He also had a Capt. Hays^ on his staff, who was his nephew, 
I believe. He brought on his wife when the winter quarters 
were completed along the Stout place, and he soon moved 
her to his headquarters in the Stout house. I was taken sick 
with sore throat soon after the general came to our house, 
and, as he liked me very much, he expressed great interest 
in my health. One evening when he was feeling very lively 
he came into the sitting-room, where we all were, and, ad- 
dressing me by my family name, said : 'Bloss, you're sick, 
and I really don't believe you'll live long, so I'll bring up the 
band and play you a tune to cheer you up.' I thanked him, 
but politely declined the music. The general went off laugh- 
ing, but he sent for the band and started them to playing, 
instructing them to keep on until he told them to stop. He 
then reclined on the sofa in the parlor to listen to the enchant- 
ing strains, and was so overcome by the melody that he fell 
asleep, and did not wake up until about i o'clock in the morn- 
ing to countermand his orders. My, but the band was mad ! 
I went to the window during the evening when there was a lull 
in the music, and overheard one of the bandmen remark very 
unkindly, T wish that darned sore-throat girl was dead ; then 
we'd get a chance to rest up.' 

'T knew General Hays as a very nice man. He com- 
manded a division in General Hancock's Corps, and I was 
very sorry to hear of his being killed in the Wilderness; but 
the Misses Rawlins and Rickard did not know of it until they 
had recited their narratives, when I told them of it, and they 
were very much grieved to hear of it, as they said they had 
often talked of him and wondered where he lived, and if he 
would still remember incidents of Stevensburg." ^ 

GENERAL HANCOCK TO GENERAL HAYS 

"Headquarters Second Army Corps, 

"March 30th, 1864. 
"General : 

"The assignments of court-martial will be made by 
General Ingalls, I suppose ; at least, such was the order of 
General Meade in consolidating the troops. Some two days 
since the programme was forwarded to General Ingalls. VVe 
are hourly expecting the order. 

1 Miss Rickard refers to Lieut. Shields, whom the general always 
treated as a son. 

2 "Story of a Cannoneer," by Helen C. Rickard. 



When Grant Came 569 

"Had you notified me in time the matter could have been 
arranged without difficulty so that you could have been 
notified. Now, it may be too late. I have written to General 
Ingalls on the subject, however. 

"Capt. Johnson, now assigned to you, did not belong to 
the old Second Corps, but to another division of the old Third. 
General Ward made a similar application before you did. 

"Truly yours, 

"W. S. Hancock, 
"Major General. 
"To Brigadier General A. Hays, 
"Third Division, Second Army Corps." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Bullock, Va., March 30th, 1864. 
Dear Wife: 

"No letters for many days. I was too tired to do any- 
thing but sleep. Last night Generals Birney, Ward and I had 
ridden all over the country through the rain and mud, and I 
was even too tired to go to our theatre. 

"As you will see by the enclosed 'farewell address,' I have 
parted with my old command and assumed a new one, much 
older than the last, although it is still Third Division, Second 
Army Corps, which I am required to prefix with the Second 
Brigade. My fighting force at present numbers three thousand 
six hundred men, and it will so on be increased to over four 
thousand, perhaps reach five thousand. 

"The 63rd are nearly frantic, and their cheers of welcome 
were loud and long. The 105th and 57th were not much be- 
hind. All were well pleased, and I think no commander ever 
received a more welcome reception. It appears partially to 
reconcile them to the dismemberment of their corps. 

"We are allowed to wear the old Kearney badge, which 
is a square [one inch by one inch] of deep red merino cloth. 
My banner of spotless white, of triangular shape, bearing in 
the center the square, and otherwise relieved by a dark blue 
stripe down the side, which attaches to the flagstaff. All are 
delighted with the change ; Corts and Sullivan especially. I 
have three new aids in addition, and will be allowed these 
permanently. Perhaps I may get Queen^ on my staff. The 
regrets at old headquarters were not loud but deep. 

"Mrs. Birney and Mrs. Ward left this morning, and I have 
no baby to play with now.^ I never was better pleased. I 
never was in better health, and I do not drink any strong 
drink. 

1 Captain C. J. Queen, commissary of subsistence, Second 
Brigade, Third Division, Second Corps. 

2 The Birney infant, Philip Kearney Birney. 



570 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



" 'Solomon' is again in service, better and gayer than ever. 
'Secessia' is admired by all. 

"I brought my new wagon with me, and if I am perimtted 
to keep it will have a snug retreat in stormy weather. 

"Our other cow has a calf, and we will live like kings. 
"Love to all, and kind regards to all friends. 
"Let RacheF [little] look out for a letter. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex., 
"Second Brigade, Third Division, Second Corps. 

"Paymaster is expected here tomorrow." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Birney, Va., March 31st, 1864. 
"Dear Wife: 

"Two letters last night and one tonight, and am very 
much obliged. I have signed all my official papers for to- 
morrow, which is no small task in a brigade of ten regiments. 
Autograph seekers would be delighted to possess the even- 
ing's work. I have also given my autograph on eighteen 
photographs, destined for the Pittsburgh Fair.- It is difficult 
to send them, as, I believe, each one is charged for by the 
Postoffice Department. I will send a few by each mail. 

"Tell me what you think of the new style. 

"This morning we broke camp, and marched three miles 
to our present location on the Orange & Alexandria Railroad. 
It is an old camp, constructed by the Rebels, and from which 
we drove them the last time we crossed the Pappp.hannock. 
I have very snug quarters, as have also my staff. At present 
I sport four aides. 

"Tomorrow I go to corps headquarters as president of a 
court-martial. I shall have an early ride of three miles, and 
return in the evening. 

"In fixing up today I worked hard and am tired. I have 
written a great deal, steadily since dark, and it is now near 
12 o'clock. I know you will excuse the briefness of this docu- 
ment. Perhaps I may write tomorrow at court. 

"I sent you my farewell address, and sent a copy to the 
Daily Commercial. Send me a paper, if it should be printed, 
and let me know what you think of it. 

"Good-night, and God bless you all at home. Give love 
to all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

1 Reference to daughter Rachel in distinction from aunt, Rachel 
McFadden. 

2 The Sanitary Fair. 



When Grant Came 571 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Birney, Va., April ist, 1864. 
"Dear Wife: 

" 'All Fool's Day,' in honor of my patron saint. I will 
write you only a short epistle on the present occasion. 

"I have written to our little Rachel, and enclose four 
photographs for you. 

"I am busy, 'head over ears.' Today I rode to corps head- 
quarters and assembled the court-martial, of which I am presi- 
dent, and returned this evening, tired and hungry, although 
Hancock pressed his hospitality upon me. The court was 
'large and respectable,' like ancient Democratic meetings, 
evidently selected for grit and fearlessness in discharge of 
duty. 

"I was, however, surprised when I learned that we had 
been convened for the trial of five commissioned ofiBcers, 
charged with mutiny, a consequence of the reorganization of 
the army. The extreme penalty of the offense, if proven, is 
death. 

"The court may be occupied for many days, and if I do 
not write often during its session you may know I am busy. 

"I will see Mrs. Carroll tomorrow, if possible, and deliver 
your messages. All the fair sex, with a few exceptions, have 
departed. 

"I enclose photographs, and I assure you they are a bother 
to me. Everybody wants one, and I only received two dozen 
from Washington. 

"Rachel's letter will give you details of my 'family 
affairs.' 

"It is raining very hard. Expect the paymaster daily, 
and will send little rings. I fear I cannot procure those of 
larger size. 

"Again, it is near 12 o'clock and I must go to bed. 

"God bless you all and love, ad libitum. No letter tonight. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

At the time of the breaking up of the old Third Division, 
General Hays' order was published in the Pittsburgh papers, 
the "Commercial" prefacing the following remarks : 

GENERAL ALEXANDER HAYS 



The following order will be read with interest here, for 
who in Pittsburgh is not proud of the gallant Hays? When 
we name our heroes his name is in the foreground, and there 
are but few who will not distinguish him as worthy the title 
of the bravest of the brave. The field and line officers of the 
Third Division, Second Corps, have united in a request to the 



572 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



President for the promotion of Hays to the rank of major 
general, and our prominent citizens have memoralized the 
Legislature to ask this act of justice from Mr. Lincoln as due 
to this Commonwealth. Public justice is sometimes slow, but 
we are unwilling to believe that its certainty is doubtful. The 
eye of a Napoleon could distinguish between the simulated 
and the real. He knew his heroes, and they took their places 
by a law as certain as gravitation. Unfortunately for us in 
this gigantic war, faithful, heroic men have held subordinate 
places, and the timid and incapable have been our leaders. 
We have suffered enough from incapacity [we will not use a 
harsher word] to have destroyed any nation but our own. 
But the slow teacher. Time, is rectifying mistakes. The 
Rebellion can only be put down by blows as swift as the light- 
ning, and terrible as the thunderbolt. We want energy, cour- 
age, intelligence, and their result will follow — victory. 

"Headquarters Third Division, Second Army Corps, 

"Camp Near Stevensburg, Va., 

"Soldiers: ^^^^^^ ^^^^' ^^^4. 

"General Orders, No. ii, corps headquarters, temporarily 
dissolves the 'old Third Division,' with which you have been 
so long associated. Consolidation was a military necessity 
to accumulate a power which no enemy will be able to resist. 

"Although only nine months your commander, we have 
shared together the tiresome march and cheerless bivouac. 
But within the same short period you have five times 
triumphed over your enemies. Your former services are re- 
corded, and to them you have added Gettysburg, Auburn, 
Bristoe, Locust Grove and Morton's Ford. 

"You have distinguished yourselves, not only by your 
courage on the field of battle, but by evidences of your loyalty 
to your country and subordination to the discipline imposed 
upon you. 

"It is trying upon the soldier to part with the badge 
associated with his long service, and to see furled the banner 
under which there was always victory — but it is a sacrifice 
exacted by your country. 

"It is my sincere hope and expectation that, within a 
brief period of time, 'the old division' will be reorganized, and 
the blue trefoil will once more wave over you. 

"Until then your banner will be sacredly preserved and 

restored to you, or otherwise it will be deposited where it 

will be a memento to the nation of your triumphs and your 

sacrifices. 

"Alex. Hays, 

"Brigadier General Volunteers. 

"Official : 

"George P. Corts, 

"Assistant Adjutant General." 



When Grant Came 573 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Three Miles From Culpepper, Va, 
^'Dear Annie : 

"The mail is in, but no letters for two nights. I will write 
but briefly, as I am in correspondence with members of the 
Pennsylvania Legislature. 

"Unknown to me, they have urged my promotion, and I 
am sending on documents. I hope that will be sufficient 
excuse for short letters. 

"I leave my quarters each morning at 8 o'clock, to attend 
court-martial at corps headquarters, and return about 5 P. M. 
My evenings are devoted to writing, sometimes until 12 at 
night. 

"I send with this a copy of an interesting document,^ 
which you did not think worthy of having a place in your 
collection ; it has, however, become invaluable. 

"I also send you Hancock 'done in ink.' I will forward 
your little rings in a few days. 

"The first opportunity I have I will send a pay account to 
Washington to be cashed, and forward two hundred dollars 
at present. 

"As soon as my horse money is received I will send at 
least two hundred dollars more. 

"In very great haste, for I must write two long business 
letters before I go to bed, 

"Love to all. We are all well and delighted. For my 
part, I never enjoyed better health, excepting a few twinges 
of rheumatism from today's exposure in the storm, which 
was fearful. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex. 

"P. S. — Cannot Pittsburgh give me a recommendation?" 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN P. PENNEY 

"In Camp, Culpepper County, Va., 
April 5th, 1864. 
Hon. J. P. Penney :^ 

"Dear Sir : — It is a great advantage in this world to have 
friends, and God knows no one needs them more than myself. 
I have incidentally learned that you, with others, are urging 
my claims to promotion, for which interest I am deeply in- 
debted. I see frequently men whose maiden swords never 
have been, and never will be flashed, promoted over myself, 

1 The document is not now known, and Hancock "done in ink," 
a pen sketch, has been lost in the lapse of years, also. 

2 A prominent attorney in Pittsburgh, Speaker of the Senate of 
Pennsylvania. 



574 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

and others who have served continuously and long. If success, 
as it appears, is to be the criterion, I am entitled to some 
consideration, for I have never been whipped ; even before 
I left my mother's apron-strings I could worst two of my 
brothers. 

"Since this wicked war began I have participated in a 
score of battles and skirmishes, with commands often, far 
above the rank I held. It is admitted that I have never lost 
one foot of ground before the enemy, but have invariably 
driven him when ordered to do so. 

"Until lately, for nearly a year past, I had the honor to 
command a fighting division. An order arrived from the 
War Department to consolidate the army and the skulking 
generals, who for a year past have been anywhere except 
with us in battle, are ordered to the front. This, by seniority 
of rank, deprives me of and military necessity dissolves my 
old division. The charges of the enemy never moved us, 
but acts of friends have 'blotted it out forever.' By a strange 
military anomaly I am transferred to a much larger com- 
mand, although it is designated as a brigade. 

"When my veterans all return I shall have between four 
and five thousand men. 

'T am very well pleased, but if I am competent to com- 
mand so many of them [of which there is raised no ques- 
tion] I think I am entitled to rank and pay accordingly. 

"I have nine regiments, and am back again with my old 
favorites — the 63rd, 105th, 57th and 68th Pennsylvania. 

"Besides, I have two regiments from Maine, two from 
Michigan, and one. United States Sharpshooters. Whether 
I am promoted or not, I am determined to 'crack brush' with 
them from this to Richmond, 

"I enclose you a copy of an expression from my former 
command,^ and also a parting address to them on the occa- 
sion of taking leave. 

"If you, and other friends, think me deserving, and will 
present my claims, I am sanguine of success, 'and your peti- 
tioners will ever pray,' etc. 

"Excuse egotism as a necessary ingredient [principal] 
of this connection. 

"We have no news, except what we get from the papers. 
Visit us and see for yourself. 

"I would be very much pleased to hear from you if not 
exacting too much, 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex. Hays," 

1 The memorial to the President under date of December 15th, 
1863, signed by the field and line officers, Third Division, Second 
Corps. 



When Grant Came 575 



GENERAL HAYS TO P. C. SHANNON 

"Camp Near Culpepper, Va., 
"Hon. P. C.Shannon- ^P"^ ^rd, 1864. 

"Dear Sir: — I have accidentally heard that you, with 
other of my friends, are concocting a good thing for me 'be- 
hind my back.' I cannot express my indebtedness to you 
and them for their disinterested kindness, as shown by efiforts 
in my behalf. 

"For nine months past I have been in command of the 
Third Division, consisting of three brigades in the Second 
Corps of this army. I refer you to my enclosed 'farewell 
address' to my old command, which indicates what we have 
gone through together. 

"That infernal tyrant, 'Military Necessity,' influences the 
powers that be to break up my old division, but my good 
fortune returned me again to command my old compatriots 
of Peninsular celebrity. I was transferred to the Second 
Brigade, Third Division, of the Second Corps, a larger com- 
mand than I previously held. Have now nearly four thousand 
men for duty, and will have five thousand. There are nine 
regiments embracing my old pets — the 63rd, the 105th [Jeffer- 
son county], and the 57th [Mercer county]. The remainder 
are from Maine and Michigan, and one regiment of United 
States Sharpshooters. It is admitted to be the finest com- 
mand in the army, but I am not a major general. 

"There has been forwarded to the President of the United 
States a memorial, signed by every field and staff ofificers and 
surgeon in my old command, asking my promotion. As the 
act was committed entirely unknown to me during my tem- 
porary absence at Washington, I cannot be suspected of 
having used any undue influence to obtain the distinction. 
I enclose a copy of the instrument, which you are at liberty 
to use at your own discretion. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex. Hays, 
"Brigadier General." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Dear Annie: "^^ Camp, April 5th, 1864. 

"I had not intended to write to you tonight, but the 
reception of two letters from you, and one from dear Agnes, 
has spurred me up to extra exertion. I am surprised that 
you have any reason to complain at my failure to write. I 
have truly been and am very much occupied, but with the 
exception of one or two nights lately I have not failed to 
write. 

1 A Pittsburgh attorney and a man of influence. 



576 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"I have been engaged during my evenings in correspond- 
ence with the notables of our Legislature, and have forwarded 
several voluminous packages to aid them in making me a 
major general. 

"I have written to Shannon, Bigham^ and Penney, en- 
closing the memorial^ from my old Third Division, and my 
farewell address to its soldiers. 

"That address, by the way, has created some sensation 
in the army. I send you a few copies, and also a copy of the 
memorial, 

"The court-martial, of which I am president, is attract- 
ing attention, and I have no doubt would interest the public 
if the proceedings were published, which will be the case 
after the close of the trials. 
******** 

"I have a much finer command than ever before, and 
have been hailed with acclamation, while my old command, 
since I have left them, express the deepest regret at my 
transfer. The soldiers of our army are not idiots ! 

"Each morning I go to the court, and, as it has rained 
and snowed furiously for some days past, the roads have 
become almost impassable in places, and the streams so 
swollen as almost to swim our horses. 

"I enclose a Second Brigade, Third Division, badge for 
each of my beloved nieces and nephews, and wish them to 
wear them for Uncle Alex's sake. 

"I will send, in a few days, a small banner for Pearson 
and 'JiiTi' to soger with.^ 

"I will send a badge and banner also to Alden. As soon 
as I can go to Arnold's Battery I will forward the little rings. 

"I have been sending photographs for ten days past. 
Have you received them? 

"Love to all. "Your husband, 

"Alex. 

"P. S. — I must now write until after midnight and be up 
at 6 o'clock. 

"N. B. — The badge is to be worn diagonally as if a 
diamond." 

"April 5th, 1864. 
"I am preparing a tremendous letter for your father 
next Sunday. 

"Give one of the single pictures of 'Secessia'* and one of 

1 Hon. Thomas J. Bigham of Pittsburgh, a sterling patriot, an 
attorney and an influential citizen, member of the State Senate of 
Pennsylvania. 

2 For memorial see Appendix F. 

3 Pearson, "Jim" and Alden, the general's sons. 
* The general's horse. 



When Grant Came 577 



the staff groups to George Murphy.^ I will send you better 
pictures again. 

"The Httle rings will be ready in a few days. 

"Capt. Arnold is home; has lost the oldest child. ^ 

"If I could aid Rachel and the Fair I would do so. Will 
she receive my old tattered banner and staff? If they could 
talk they would give the history of Gettysburg, Auburn, 
Bristoe, Mine Run, Locust Grove and Morton's Ford better 
than has yet been written. I saw Major 'Will' Riddle,^ and 
he hopes to be able to offer General Reynolds' shot-torn 
saddle. If Rachel will only say so perhaps I can do some- 
thing. 

"I do wish you could witness our parades and drills. That 
of this evening was really splendid — only marred by Corts 
being on one of his tantrums without cause or provocation, 
and it must be his last. All of us attribute it to the influ- 
ences exercised by another person. 

"The staff are exceedingly pleasant boys. Lieut. Judkins 
is a Michigander. Whyte * is a Philadelphian. These two, 
with Sullivan, who is acting assistant adjutant general, or 
aide to Corts, compose the personal staff. We five mess 
together and have no jars [not even jars of pickles], except- 
ing the occasional outbreaks I have mentioned. 

"I will not proceed further, but go to sleep. If I did not 
love you so much [unavoidably] I would not write such long 
letters in return for your very short letters. 

"Love to all as usual. .your husband, 

"Alex. 

"[No tactics this night]. 

"Major Webb will surely and safely send your remittance 
in a day or two. 

"I expect the other, and will send as per promise, but 
indeed, dear, I am very poor. 

" 'On with the cap, and out with the light, 
Weariness bids the world good-night.' "s 



1 Major George W. Murphy, Mrs. Hays' brother-in-law. 

2 Capt. William A. Arnold, Battery A, 1st Rhode Island Light 
Artillery. 

3 Major Riddle was a Pittsburgher and a brother-in-law of 
Thomas A. Scott. He had served on General Reynolds' staff and 
also on Meade's. 

4 Lieut. William H. Whyte, Company D, 68th Pennsylvania 
Volunteers. Lieut. Perrin C. Judkins, 1st United States Sharp- 
shooters, killed at Todd's Tavern, May 8, 1864, then serving on the 
staff of the Second Brigade, Third Division, Second Corps, formerly 
Hays', and falling only three days after his chief. 

5 "Tom" Hood's "Miss Kilmansegg and Her Precious Leg." 



578 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays' 



"Headquarters Second Army Corps, 

"Cole's Hill, Culpepper County, Va., 
April 10, 1864. 
[Extract] 
"Special Order, No. 99: 

"Brigadier General Alexander Hays, United States Vol- 
unteers, is relieved from further duty with the general court- 
martial, appointed in special orders. No. 88, these headquar- 
ters, of March 30, 1864. 
"By command of 

"Major General Hancock. 
"Francis A. Walker, A. A. G." 

GENERAL, HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Birney, April 9th, 1864. 
"Dear Annie: 

"I do not think that I am under obligations to write to 
anyone excepting Rachel, from whom I received an interest- 
ing letter this evening. 

"I have been relieved from the court-martial, but am 
hourly occupied in drilling and equipping my 'rebellion 
crushers' for the coming campaign. I tried one tedious case 
in the court and set the machine going, I then applied to 
be relieved that I might devote my time to my brigade. I 
wish you could see one of our drills, or dress parades. The 
latter extends for a quarter of a mile in masses five divisions 
deep. All the field and staff officers are mounted. All the 
evolutions are much more imposing than any you have seen. 
Whether on drill or parade, at 'officer's call' from the bugle, 
each officer commanding a battalion gallops to headquarters, 
so that my subordinates are always brought to within speak- 
ing distance at short notice. 

"Three brigade drills per week are our allowance, and I 
delight in an opportunity I never enjoyed before. I am 
satisfied that our division is more proficient in exercise than 
any other in the army, east or west, but my own command 
shall be perfect, if I can make it so. 

"I have many recruits, and they must be drilled and 
disciplined thoroughly. 

"From Hancock and Meade I have gained every conces- 
sion asked. I have not yet met Grant, but will go to see him 
tomorrow. We were to have had a review today for his 
benefit, but it rained, and now at 9 o'clock P. M. it is pouring 
down in torrents. 

"I am permitted to keep my new wagon, which was a 
source of unnecessary annoyance to you, and am much better 
equipped than ever before. I have a pack mule, bearing 
capacious panniers, to carry our dining room, 

"Yesterday the boys and I went to an ambrotypist for 



When Grant Came 579 



pictures. Some we obtained were excellent, but too heavy 
for the letter. The day was unfavorable, but we are all to 
have another benefit the first fair day. 

"My own presentments were seized as fast as they came 
from the hands of the operator by members of the staflf and 
others. I have one of Corts and Sullivan each, and they are 
most excellent, excepting that 'Yank' tried to put on a smile 
and failed. 

"I obtained a fair picture of 'Secessia' and Henry ,^ but it 
is somewhat impaired by the interposition of a soldier, and 
from the wind blowing hard at the time. It is, however, pro- 
nounced beautiful as the original has become. She is the 
cynosure, and everybody covets her. 

"I will send down on Monday a small box to be for- 
warded by express. It will contain my gloves, a 'Second 
Brigade, Third Division, flag,' and some of the pictures I have 
mentioned. 

"Last night I drew one month's pay from Major Webb. 
He will not return to Washington for some days, but he will 
then forward to you a check for two hundred dollars. I 
could have sent it now, but do not like to risk the mails from 
this point. I expect daily to hear from my horse claims, and 
you shall have two hundred dollars of that for your good- 
ness. I have now one-third month due, and the time will 
soon run away. But, please remember, I must live. My own 
individual boarding in our mess of six costs me over one dollar 
a day. Everything costs me, excepting my chickens. I want 
and must have clothes and a new brigadier general's belt. 

"I will write to Alden and send him a flag. 

"Love to all, and God bless you. I have not written all 
I think of, but no space. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex. 

"Send Henry's watch and me a box of goodies." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Birney, April 15th, 1864. 
"Dear Annie : 

"I received yours of the 8th this morning, but not the 
one you say was written the day before. I have not written 
for two or three days because the late storms had cut oflf 
communication with Washington. Moreover, I was very 
much engaged, and am so still, with my command and other 
duties. 

"Today we had a review of the division. Meade and 
Hancock, besides many others of rank and distinction, were 

1 Henry Stafford, the general's servant. Picture now in posses- 
sion of Mr. Gilbert A. Hays. 



580 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

present. The weather was fine, and all present pronounced 
our performances unequalled. To my brigade is conceded the 
palm. 

'Tn the evening, under the beautiful sky, we had dress 
parade. I have never witnessed a more imposing military 
display. All field and staff officers are mounted, and our 
bands discoursed music eloquently. 

"I have in my last informed you of a draft [two hundred 
dollars] for you, which is in the hands of Major Webb, pay- 
master. He will leave for Washington in a day or tv^'o, and 
will be sure to transmit it safely to you ; therefore, be patient. 

'T have, awaiting an opportunity, a box to be sent by 
express. It will contain gloves, flag and a series of camp 
pictures, and I think will be interesting. 

"I do not like your last photograph ; it is not nearly so 
handsome or lovable as the original. 

"The lady's I sent you is Mrs. General W^ard's. 

"I called upon Grant day before yesterday and was most 
cordially received. He promised me his photograph for you. 
I will go tomorrow and see about the rings. 

"Several of my letters must have been lost, as you do not 
refer to many things of which I have written. I am better 
pleased each day with my command, and receive high com- 
mendation for their appearance and drill. 

'T have received two letters from little Rachel and 
answered. I also wrote to Agnes and to father.^ 

"You must excuse more at present, for I am very tired ; 
up until a very late hour last night and almost all day on 
horseback. 

"I will soon send you photographs of my staff in groups, 
besides ferrotypes of each member. 

"Good-night, and God bless you all. Love as usual. 

"I am very sorry to hear of Aunt Elizabeth's ^ sickness, 
and hope it will not be so serious as you appear to fear. 

"If my success for promotion depends on my individual 
exertion I ought to succeed. I have written and forwarded 
important documents to Bigham, Penny and Shannon.^ 

"See enclosed. Love again. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex. 

"P. S. — Send Henry's watch by first opportunity." 

1 Rachel and Agnes, the general's daughters. 

2 Mrs. Elizabeth Gibson, sister of Mrs. John B. McFadden. 

3 The matter of the general's promotion is taken up in the 
previous chapter in its inception, and his letters at this period show 
how completely he desired it. 



When Grant Came 581 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Birney, April 15th, 1864. 
"Dear Wife: 

"Got a little letter, a very little one, this morning. Had 
one of same description last night. Don't admire such letters 
much. 

"Wrote night before last, but could not write last night, 
in consequence of engagement, in preparing a box for you. 
You will receive it by express. It will contain gloves, a flag, 
a series of pictures of the war, a complete set of ferrotypes 
of the staff, autographs of several distinguished individuals, 
horses, dogs, etc., etc. — animals and fools. 

"Today I went with Birney to Gibbon's review — my old 
command, now Carroll's.^ After the review we were riding 
along the line, I, with some cavalry officers, with Meade, 
and Birney some distance in advance. 

"A soldier stepped from the ranks and called for 'Three 
cheers for General Hays !' The response from regiment to 
regiment was unanimous and hearty. The compliment was 
recognized by the party for whom it was intended, but as 
General Meade, under mistake, continued to recognize it we 
fell into the shade, although it was plainly expressed and as 
plainly understood. It caused a good deal of merriment 
among those who understood the expression at the expense 
of him who evidently did not. 

"I saw- 'Old Dad' Lockwood,^ and he made particular 
inquiries for you ; also Dr. Maull. The boys were very glad 
to see me, and regret sincerely that they have lost me. 

"I have another episode [as Artemus Ward would call 
it] to relate. My old Harper's Ferry brigade had prepared 
an enthusiastic reception for me on the occasion of a trip 
through their camp, but the Dutch colonel ^ who now com- 
mands the brigade, hearing of it, forbade. I do not admire 
such military exhibition, but it indicates the influence I exer- 
cise over the troops, and as such is flattering. I am informed 
that the frequently expressed sentiment is uttered aloud in 
the brigade, 'We fights mit Hays; we runs mit Frank.' But 
I am sure they will never run. God bless them for their 
devotion ! 

1 Carroll's Brigade was consolidated with Smyth's, and Smyth 
took command of the Second Brigade of the First Division, Barlow's. 

2 Lieut. Colonel Lockwood, 7th West Virginia. 

3 Paul Frank, colonel of the 52nd New York Volunteers. This 
brigade included, besides the four Harper's Ferry regiments, the 
52nd and 57th of Zook's old brigade, the Third of the First Division 
[Caldwell's], and a detachment of the Veteran 7th New York. The 
140th Pennsylvania was placed in Miles' First Brigade, and the 66th 
New York in Brooke's, the Fourth of Barlow's Division; Barlow 
having succeeded to the command. 



582 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"With my present boys 'all goes lovely,' excepting that 
the colonels have become somewhat spoiled under former 
commanders, but within a few days they have discovered 
that a colonel does not command them. 

"All business, however, is transacted on the most 
friendly and kindly terms. 

"I have your blue trefoil, and am very much obliged to 
you. I will wear it upon my breast. 

" 'Perchance in jeopardy of war. 
When gayer pennons stand afar.' 

Correct that if I am not strict in quotations. [See 'Lady of 
the Lake,' for I sometimes think I am the character described 
as 'John de Brent']. 

" 'Most forward still, 

In every feat of good or ill.'i 

"So this page is full, and I will study tactics until I fall 
asleep. I have no competitors, and must not be behind in 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Birney, April 17th, 1864. 
"Dear Sir: 

"The time I have previously appointed for writing to 
you has arrived, but I do not feel in right spirit for such exer- 
cise ; I think, perhaps, from the fact that I eat too many eggs 
at five cents each. I really do not know how we are to live 
this summer, with the high cost of everything, unless we 
come down to hardtack and contract beef. Even the latter, 
at commissary prices, costs fifteen cents a pound, including 
bone and gristle. 

"Today, with the rest of mankind, we have rested from 
our labors, excepting the required inspection of the troops. 
I rode through all the camps and was much pleased. The 
daily improvement of our troops is truly gratifying. I con- 
fidentally believe that one-half the number of men, as now 
conditioned and disciplined [although many of them are the 
same], would be more than a match for McClellan's Penin- 
sular army. It is almost impossible to make more perfect 
soldiers. Our improvement is very marked, while the Rebel 
army, if anything, has deteriorated since the war began, un- 
less their embittered feeling has given them an impulse, which 
we do not yet understand.^ 

1 Quotation, "Lady of the Lake," Canto VI, 8; Ibid, VI, 10; 
"Where gayer crests may keep afar." 

2 The general's opinion only. History states quite the reverse. 



When Grant Came 583 



"If we are not victorious in the coming campaign I shall 
begin to believe that God is not with us, or that He is sub- 
jecting us to a terrible trial. Certainly we shall have 'the 
heavy battalions' which Napoleon relied upon as essential even 
with Divine interpretation. 

"My own command musters nearly five thousand [one- 
half the number of the regular army before the war], and 
they move in masses as if the whole was individual. 

"I have three hundred sharpshooters, many of whom will 
strike a man invariably at five hundred yards and a horse at 
eight hundred. They are improving very fast. A target of 
yesterday's practice shows eighty balls, all within the space 
of a square yard. I think I shall send a target to the Fair.^ 

"Grant is working quietly and, I believe, successfully. 
He appears to keep aloof from all the combinations and petty 
jealousies which so long have been a curse to our army. I 
see him but rarely, but think I can clinch my own nail there, 
if it is not so already. 

"I could not possibly desire a more enviable position, 
excepting nominal rank and pay, than at present. 

"I have a reputation acknowledged distinctly as my own. 
The only person who could have been a competitor is dead. 
It would gratify me much, for the sake of others, to have my 
coat adorned with another star, and my purse replenished 
with increased salary, and if it must be so, if it has not already 
been done. 'My sabre shall win what the craven must buy !' 

"If success, as appears, is to be the criterion of leader- 
ship, I certainly have claims. Every command I have ever 
had has given me most unmistakable evidence of its confi- 
dence. And the power with which Nature has endowed me 
may yet be of use if Providence spares my life. 

"That our coming struggle will be one of the most bloody 
and fearful in the history of man, I have no doubt, unless, as 
extremes meet, we are met by the most abject submission of 
the Rebels, and that is not probable as long as 'Bob' Lee 
lives. 

"The account from Fort Pillow has caused much feeling 
among us, and it will recoil upon the Rebels with terrible 
force. 

"A student for many years, I am almost convinced of the 
divinity of ancient oracles. Certainly the atrocities of Fort 
Pillow will come within the range of 'Whom the gods wish 
to destroy, they first make mad.' 

"I endeavor to repress my feelings, and to cultivate the 
principles of humanity emplanted by nature in my constitu- 
tion, and cultivated in my early training, but I almost feel 
like announcing, 'Boys, I do not wish to be encumbered with 
prisoners.' 

1 The Sanitary Fair at Pittsburgh. 



584 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"I have written a long communication to Governor Curtin 
in behalf of Lieut. Shields, and send with this a copy and 
note to his father. I will leave it unsealed, so that you can 
see what it is if you desire, but have it delivered to him as 
promptly as possible. 

"I have written to Bigham, Penney and Shannon, but 
have received no answers. 

*'In my letters home I have sent many things [papers] 
which have not been recognized. The memorial from the 
officers of my old division to the President, asking my pro- 
motion, I regard as one of the highest compliments ever paid 
me. Perhaps the letters have miscarried. 

"In the exigencies of the service I may expect any day 
to fall into command of this division. All my superiors treat 
me with most marked distinction, but I have an idea that 
they [I mean two or three] fear to give me an opportunity 
for development. 

"I may be wrong, but every man is jealous of the posses- 
sion in others of that of which he most needs himself. I hope 
I am mistaken. 

"It is a most fortunate circumstance that I procured a 
leave for John Voerhauer, as he will be a bearer of dispatches, 
and deliver some parcels which it would otherwise be incon- 
venient to send. 

"I send photographs for friends and the Fair, a flag for 
the children, and many other matters of no value but perhaps 
of interest. 

"In relation to the Kirkwood horse I will remit one hun- 
dred and fifty dollars as soon as I receive my horse claims, 
daily expected. It was only through interest for brave Kirk- 
wood I ever had anything to do with him. He was a perfect 
nuisance to me [the horse] and entirely worthless for any 
useful purpose. I finally sold him to Corts and Sullivan for 
the amount named, but have never received the price. 

"He was put up for a race, and would have won easily, 
but in his first lunge he actually dismembered his body, ran 
the race, got beaten, and died upon the track. 

"Henry has a watch at the store. Will you send it by 
John Voerhauer? 

"Will you also go to Perry and say that the last pair of 
boots sent me were the meanest he ever made, and that I 
must have another pair made within ten days, to come by 
Voerhauer, and to be in length up to the knee and large in the 
legs. 

"I will transmit to Annie, as soon as possible, more funds, 
I hope sufficient for all her demands, until I reach Richmond. 

"Do you know I think a good deal of her? She must 
take after her mother. 

"Give my love to all, and say to dear mother I will write 
to her soon, when I am inspired in the vein which pleases 



When Grant Came 585 



her. God bless her anyhow. I love her like my own blessed 
mother. Love to all others, also. 

"It appears to you that it is easy to write, but it is rain- 
ing heavily, and in my office the paper becomes too damp for 
use. Tomorrow we may again be 'en route,' and it is now 
II o'clock P. M., while my clerks, etc., are waiting until I 
vacate the quarters to go to bed. 

" 'On with the cap, and out with the light, 
Weariness bids the world good-night.'i 

"Kind regards to friends. Can't you send me a paper 
occasionally? 

"Yours sincerely, 

"Alex. 

"I send 'farewell address.' It has received much com- 
mendation in the army, and has been widely circulated. 

"I have about one thousand other items in my mind, but 
it is useless to attempt to write all in six cents' worth. ^ 

"P. S. — I have to say that the firm of 'Lincoln & Stanton' 
has omitted to forward the extra star I ordered at Gettys- 
burg. Perhaps they have merely overlooked it, but will be 
reminded of their obligation by reading of Auburn and 
Bristoe. 

"We are all in excellent health, including niggers and 
horses. 

"Do let us here oftener." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Camp Birney, April 21st, 1864. 
"Dear Wife: 

"I have half a mind to not write, as I have had no letter 
from you for two whole days. Last night I received from 
Agnes a most interesting letter ; I think the best she has ever 
written me. She is improving vastly, and must practice to 
become still more perfect. Your father enclosed Agnes' letter 
with a note, the theme of which is 'that boy Jim' and a cer- 
tain petition. I have heard nothing of movements in Harris- 
burg; and, in fact, I must confess a want of faith. I have now 
a most noble command, and if Providence is as usually kind, 
and I am spared, I will win what my friends must beg in my 
behalf. The appearance, discipline and drill of my command, 
with its strength, is the remark of the entire army. I am 
daily gaining ground that is undisputed. 

"Relieved from one very important court-martial for the 
purpose of attending to my command, and, besides, made an 

1 "Miss Kilmansegg and Her Precious Leg," Tom Hood. 

2 A double postage letter, the rate then being three cents a half 
ounce. 



586 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



exception and excused from the most disagreeable and 
fatiguing duties, 'corps officer of the day,' I am now detailed 
on another court to meet at Culpepper tomorrow. The 
special case for the trial is not reported, but from the rank 
detailed there will be several brigadier generals on it. We 
surmise an important prisoner or one of rank. 

"There will be no necessity to conceal the facts, but 
before many days we shall be upon 'the warpath.' Never were 
we so well prepared or more sanguine, but it is generally 
understood that this campaign will be more stoutly contested 
and be more fruitful than any yet undertaken. 'Vae Victis!'^ 

"Today I received an acquisition of another regiment — 
93rd New York, six hundred men — and my ranks are other- 
wise swelling daily. No one has a right to be prouder. 'The 
rank is but the guinea's stamp, a man's the man for 'a that.' 

"Well, I have been to and returned from headquarters, 
and discovered a victim. Don't know charges, but will find 
out. 

"It is now 12 o'clock. I have on hand for you another 
two hundred dollars in 'greenbacks,' but can obtain no draft, 
and am afraid to trust to mail. Will send the first safe oppor- 
tunity offered, which I think will be in a few days. I hope 
you have received the Major Webb remittance. 

"I am anxious to pay one hundred and fifty dollars for 
the Kirkwood horse, and if you can spare one hundred dollars 
out of my next pay I will refund at the receipt of my horse 
claim and send the other fifty dollars. Kirkwood's horse has 
been a dear animal to me. I hardly expect to get my money 
back, but the horse must be paid for. 

"Never felt better in my life, though tired drilling, riding 
and quarreling [in which case somebody always wins] with 
the doctors and refractory colonels. It is good fun ; almost 
as much fun as to see sensible men make fools of themselves. 

"Love to all. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

Same Camp, April 23, 1864. 
"Dear Wife: 

"Went to Culpepper this morning, to court-martial, and 
tried our friend all day. We [Ward ^ and I] returned late 
but I was greeted with a box, one box, your box, mother's 
box, and dear Rebecca's box. May I not love her a little? And 

1 "Vae Victis" ["Alas! for the conquered!"], an intimation of a 
war of extermination. 

2 General J. H. Hobart Ward, commanding First Brigade, 
Birney's Division, Hays' being the Second. 



When Grant Came 587 

besides, two letters from you of dates 17th and 19th, all of 
which were very welcome. 

"All the boys were very much pleased, and 'Agg's' cake 
was commended highly. The whole contents will be most 
acceptable on our march to Richmond. 

"Tonight we have had almost final orders. Tomorrow 
[Sunday] there will be a most thorough inspection to ascer- 
tain the wants of our soldiers, and on Monday we leave our 
log huts, a preparatory 'stretch-out' for a general move. 

"Yesterday we had a grand review of our entire corps, 
composed of twenty-seven thousand men. It was a most 
magnificent sight. The commanders and a large crowd of 
officers from the various corps were present, and acknowl- 
edged the equality of ours, but to our division was conceded 
'the buck horns,' and to my brigade was decreed the gilding 
which will adorn the division. I was complimented on all 
sides, but I felt that my boys deserved it. 

"Afterwards I was specially complimented by General 
Meade, with a splendid ofTer to be transferred to the com- 
mand of the Pennsylvania Reserves. As plain as I can speak 
the English language I gave the authorities to understand 
I did not desire the assignment. 

"Not one-half of my letters have yet been answered. On 
Monday I have opportunity to send you two hundred dollars 
more, which is from this month's pay ; if I can secure it I will 
send you more from my horse claim, but if I must march 
without it I will endeavor to make arrangements with Colonel 
Puleston to send you more still. 

"I met 'Sam' Grant^ in Culpepper today as he was walk- 
ing on [or, rather, loafing on] the sidewalk smoking his segar 
in his own peculiar style. 

"I inquired where the court-martial was, and he informed 
me he did not know, as he was not a member of our court. 

"I heard a soldier remark as we passed along the street: 
'That's him. Who the devil would think he was a general?' 

"Many, very many thanks to all whose hands filled that 
box. Love to all, and kind regards to friends. 

"I saw 'Dick' Dale; all well. I also saw young Harper,^ 
and if 'Dave's' affairs are settled, as I believe they ought and 
will be, I will ofifer Harper a place on my staff. 

"Thine, 

"Alex. 
"P. S. — Will write to dad tomorrow, perhaps." 

1 General Grant, "Sam" was his West Point nickname. 

2 Lieut. Colonel Dale and Lieut. Harper of Pittsburgh. 



588 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



THOMAS L. SHIELDS TO GENERAL HAYS 

"Sewickley, Allegheny County, Pa., 

"General Alexander Hays : P > 4- 

"Dear Sir: — I received yours, with two enclosed photos 

My first exclamation was. What the d 1 is the matter with 

the general? Has he joined the church, or washed his face, or 
greased his hair? That last, certainly. In fact, you are look- 
ing beautifully. I did not believe it was in the machine to 
work a miracle, but it has gone and done it. 

"I thank you for them, and have distributed them among 
your friends. Let me also thank you for the continued in- 
terest you take for 'Dave.' While you were thus doing him 
and me a great kindness unknown to me, I was also trying 
to do one for you. I wrote a memorial to our legislators, and 
through them to the Governor and President, soliciting a pro- 
motion of yourself to a major general. It is now largely 
signed by all the influential men of Pittsburgh. It will be 
further signed today and tomorrow. I will devote much time 
to writing and procuring letters from influential gentlemen 
to our Senators and Representatives at Harrisburg and send 
them with the petition. Mr. McFadden tells me he sent you 
a copy of the papers today. Don't blush when you read it. 
It is all believed here. 

"The enclosures relative to 'Dave' I suppose to be a copy 
of a letter, the original of which you sent to the Governor,^ 
although you do not say so ; consequently, I do not send them 
to the Governor. Am I right in this surmise? 

" 'Dave' thinks he is well enough to take a hand in the 
coming fight, but I do not think so. I observe he does not 
use his left arm at the table, where formerly he used both 
vigorously. When he exercises he cannot catch his breath 
and is pained in his chest. Then Dr. Dickson says the wound 
will break out again before it finally heals up. 

"I saw Mrs. Hays and Agnes yesterday. ]\Irs. Hays 

complained of a bad cold, but otherwise was well, as was 

also Miss Agnes. ,,,, ^ , 

° Yours truly, 

"Thomas L. Shields."^ 

GENERAL HAYS TO GOVERNOR CURTIN 

"Camp Birney, April 15, 1864. 
"His Excellency, Hon. A. G. Curtin, Governor: 

"It is long since I have obtruded upon you anything 
relating to my 'old pet,' the 63rd Regiment. 

"Nearly eighteen months ago I was forced to leave the 

1 Letter to Governor Curtin from General Hays. 

2 The father of Lieut. Shields, 



When Grant Came 589 



boys upon the bloody and disastrous field of Bull Run, but 
not until the regiment, with its comrade, the 105th, had laid 
nearly one-half of their combined numbers upon the field, 
exponents of the principles which they have always expressed 
from the commencement of the war. 

"Engaged since then in the exigencies of the service, I 
have gained some credit with the troops of other states. I 
have led New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, Delaware, 
Connecticut and West Virginia regiments five times into 
action with most complete success, and, thank the god of war, 
once upon my native soil. Your national mausoleum covers 
the battlefield of the 3rd of July. 

"The stern tyrant, 'Military Necessity,' on the 26th of 
March, disbanded the division of which I had command for 
nearly a year. I was then assigned to the Second Brigade, 
Third Division, Second Corps, commanded by General 
Birney. This brought me, like the culprit sentenced to be 
hung, 'to the place from whence I came.' I have therefore 
a brigade of nine regiments in my command, four of which 
are Pennsylvanians — the 63rd, 105th, 57th and 68th. The 
others are from Maine and Michigan, with the 1st Regiment 
United States Sharpshooters [Colonel Berdan], but all are 
from Kearney's old command on the Peninsula. My greet- 
ings on return were most satisfactory, and I never have felt so 
proud of a command. It is acknowledged, with its five thou- 
sand [nearly], to be unequaled in the army, and is expected 
to 'crack brush' between this and Richmond. 

"When I received my promotion I selected as aide-de- 
camp 2nd Lieut. David Shields of Company F, 63rd 
Pennsylvania. During his absence from the regiment, in 
violation of every sense of justice, and the rule which you 
know I established in the 63rd, to give promotion by seniority 
to commissioned offi,cers, unless forfeited by demerit, and 
which was frequently approved by yourself, the rule was 
violated, perhaps on the principle of 'out of sight, out of mind,' 
and when a vacancy of first lieutenant occurred Lieut. Shields 
was overlooked and another substituted in his place, I am 
certain by fraudulent representations to you. There is now 
a vacancy for captaincy or majority in the regiment, and 
Lieut. Shields asks promotion, as is his right. He has never 
forfeited but, on the contrary, has fortified his claims. 

"Lieut. Shields has been with the regiment as a private, 
corporal, sergeant and second lieutenant in all its battles ex- 
cept Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and since with me 
at Gettysburg, Auburn, Bristoe, Mine Run and Morton's 
Ford, always wearing the ensign of the 63rd. 

"I enclose a letter from Lieut. Colonel Danks, now com- 
manding the regiment, which is an acknowledgment of the 
injustice done Lieut. Shields. 

"You know that all communications from me regarding 



590 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

the regiment have been frank and sincere, and I believe you 
will now receive this in the same spirit upon my assurance. 
Lieut. Shields is now at home in consequence of a very dan- 
gerous wound through his left breast and back, received in 
our engagement with the Rebels at Morton's Ford. He was 
also severely wounded in the foot. 

"Although he is quite a young man, I know no equal to 
him for cool courage [except 'Charlie' Campbell, and he does 
not know the difference between minie-balls and Brandreth's 
pills]. In addition, Shields has exhibited remarkable deter- 
mination and judgment exceeding his years. 

"If you will, as I know you are disposed to, do justice 
to one of the bravest, best and most devoted of young Penn- 
sylvanians. I think you will not only commission him as 
captain, but as I would, if I was governor of the state, make 
him major in the present vacancy. By so doing you will not 
only serve God and the country, but gratify the numerous 
friends who are yours most devotedly. He is the son of 
Thomas Shields of Sewickley, near Pittsburgh ; the grandson 
of David Shields, and the great-grandson of Major Daniel 
Leet, one of the first pioneers of the west. Please refer to 
the Allegheny delegation for further particulars. 

"I have no private claims to prefer, but it would give me 
some satisfaction to have your endorsement for major general 
[before I get killed],^ but there is no use asking that. 
"Yours sincerely, 

"[Signed] Alex. Hays, 
"Brigadier General Volunteers. 

"P. S. — I will add that our army never was so well pre- 
pared, or rather will be when we move to meet the Rebels. 
We have faith in 'Sam' Grant, and unwavering devotion to 
the government, through Abraham Lincoln, its prophet. 

GENERAL HAYS TO JOHN B. McFADDEN 

"Camp Birney, April 24th, 1864. 
"Dear Sir: 

"I acknowledge your welcome and very interesting letter 
of the 19th, and will endeavor to satisfy your complaints of 
'never answer' before I finish. 

"I received tonight a letter from Mr. 'Tom' Shields, and 
as it will be impossible to answer him at once you will say 
that I sent to Curtin the original, and to him a copy of the 
letter concerning 'Dave.' I am much gratified by the action 
of my friends at home, whether their efforts are successful 
or not, and to those who have acted prominently, and to all 
return my sincere thanks only for the present. 

1 General Hays was killed within three weeks after writing the 
above. 



When Grant Came 591 



"I received also a letter from that Sanitary girl, Rachel, 
this evening. She appears pleased and sanguine of a good 
return from her labors. She is not nearly as importunate as 
some of the Qu-Sanitary ladies of New York, Philadelphia 
and other cities. I am but *a small toad in the puddle,' but 
I have conceded to their requisitions, and most cheerfully 
granted one thousand [say, one thousand] autographs, and 
the number of photographs furnished make me join you in 
the sentiment, 'money melts away in these times,' inasmuch 
as each forequarters of the animal [heads never being mar- 
ketable] just cost the original proprietor twenty-five cents 
each per copy. 

"I felt relieved when applications for 'locks of hair' were 
made, that I was able to return very sincere regrets to the 
ladies, with the explanation that the hair crop was very short 
at the present time, in consequence of a total failure in some 
portions of the premises exclusively devoted to that culture, 
occasioned, perhaps, by an exhaustion incident to the draught 
of forty-five years, or from an old habit of 'wearing a brick' 
in that locality. That the spare crop on the other portions 
of the hair department has been cut early, perhaps out of sea- 
son, from a fear of the depredations of other people's 'live 
stock.' So the hair game was no go. 

"Old clothes have been in much demand, and 'bullet holes' 
are announced to be worth five dollars each, which is a much 
higher rate, I assure you, than those who wore the clothes, 
estimated the sanitary article. I think I will propose to some 
party to exhume my old horses at Gettysburg, 'Dan' and 'Leet.' 
There they will find bullet holes, and bullets, and ornaments 
made from their bones ought to be appreciated by young 
ladies and 'stay-at-home people,' The bones of poor brutes 
would prove more devotion to our country than many cow- 
ardly humans can show. 

"My old horse 'Solomon' possesses all the attractions 
necessary, as enumerated above. He is not only a 'scarred 
and veteran hero,' but he is kind and gentle, most admirably 
calculated for a ladies' hackney, and would make a prize to 
be raffled for in a fair, 

"In answer to your Grant question I have seen him fre- 
quently, and have been received most cordially, as I expected 
to be. I have now an opportunity of seeing him daily. He 
mentioned having received two pictures from you and seemed 
pleased. 

"He wears his clothes very modestly, and smokes a cigar 
very awkwardly, and has the approbation of the entire army, 
because it is believed he knows and attends to his own 
business. 

"Tomorrow, if it does not rain, but which it is now doing 
profusely, we go into tents, a preparatory 'stretch-out' for 
Richmond, 



592 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"In relation to the Kirkwood horse, I feel bound on my 
assumption of him, whether I lost or not, to pay for him. 

"I send Annie^ tomorrow, by safe hands, two hundred 
dollars more, and will also make arrangements to have more 
sent as soon as my horse claims are paid or pay can be drawn. 

"If Shields [Dave] gets his promotion he will necessarily 
leave the staff as aide-de-camp, but may be retained in some 
other capacity. I will then invite young Harper, as I enter- 
tain a very high opinion of him, to accept a position, perhaps 
a higher one than aide, as I fear Corts has become demor- 
alized. 

"All is now peaceable and quiet, but subject to un- 
announced eruptions of a volcanic character, evolving brim- 
stone and smoke. 

" 'Dave' Shields - ought not to think of returning until he 
is entirely recovered, even if he never returns. He has done 
his share. 

"It may well be a source of deep anxiety as our people 
look from home upon the coming struggle, for it will be fear- 
ful. A large number of deserters came in and say that the 
Rebel authorities are poisoning the minds of their soldiers 
with the atrocities of the Yankees, such as our practice is, 
and as determined to kill all prisoners and exterminate the 
South, therefore accounting for the massacre of Fort Pillow 
and numerous other outrages. I fear the contest is approach- 
ing 'a I'outrance,' ^ and we must bide the issue. Such scenes 
will be presented as never before blotted the fair face of crea- 
tion, and the living will have tales of horror to tell that will 
curdle the blood of future generations. Our soldiers have 
coolly considered it, and are willing to accept 'the hazard of 
the die.' But if we should be beaten, God help poor Pennsyl- 
vania ! 

"Love to all, and kind regards to friends. I expect to 
hear soon from Harrisburg and Washington, but in two or 
three days we will be quoted 'upon the wing.' 

"Yours, 

"Alex." 

1 Mrs. Hays. 

2 Lieut. Shields was shot through the left breast and in the 
right foot, the wound in the breast being made by an explosive 
bullet, which passed through the pericardium, exploding immedi- 
ately upon its exit from the body, leaving many pieces of lead on the 
outer edges of the orifice. He was commissioned captain April 5, 
1864, and discharged June 9, 1864, on account of disability caused 
by the wound. 

3 "A I'outrance," without sparing. A suggestion of savage war- 
fare, "to the utmost." The general deprecated such a war. To him 
it savored too much of Mexico and Santa Anna. 



I 



When Grant Came 593 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"April 29, Saturday, 1864. 
"Dear Wife: 

"Last night I came home late after a most protracted and 
tedious session of our court. 

"In anticipation of a movement we were required to 'sit 
without regard to hours.' We finished the case, and you will 
hear the result in good time. This morning I overslept my- 
self, only awaking at 6 o'clock, and I am afraid too late for 
the mail of this day. The court meets again today at Cul- 
pepper to confirm our proceedings. Tonight I shall return to 
find my house a ruin and a new abode in the tented field. 

"Each letter may be the last for some time, as I have no 
doubt all communication will be cut ofif when we move. Yours 
of the 26th was received last night, and I am obliged for the 
political meeting enclosed. 

"We have recorded, upon our hearth, the capture of Fort 
Pillow and of Plymouth,^ and again I say 'Vae Victis.' Those 
events send no mere thrill through our hearts, but they have 
made a deep, abiding impression. Our next battle will bring 
peace or eternal disgrace upon us. 

"Yours of the 25th was long and excellent. I have and 
always will answer all such letters at once, but I do despise 
a blank of three inches on a sheet of note paper. 

"If you only received letters from me weekly I assure 
you I have written almost daily. I receive many letters ask- 
ing recommendations, autographs, photographs and locks of 
hair. Alas ! I have none of the latter to return. If someone 
does not ask me to give up my dear little old wife I will not 
be aggravated. With all my labors of late I have never had 
better reason to be satisfied. I find myself far ahead of many 
of my old instructors, and it is conceded that I am entitled 
to the 'freedom of the army.' Each day appears to add friends 
to my list, numbering from the one who daily studies the 
Scripture to the d 1 let loose. 

"As the mail has gone for this morning, I will leave ofT, 
to be continued when I return. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"May 3rd, 1864. 
"Dear Wife: 

"I find the above in my private budget. It was intended 
[and perhaps you know that good intentions are said] to be 

1 The capture of Plymouth, N. C, was on the, 20th instant; 
Fort Pillow was on the 12th of April. 



594 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



used in the pavement of exceptional localities. But I send it 
now, merely noting omitted on the former occasion, which 
will account for all you did not receive. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex." 



Sanguine, hopeful, loyal Alexander Hays! The next 
letter is his last. 

GENERAL HAYS TO MRS. HAYS 

"Our Camp, May 3rd, 1864. 
"Dear Wife: 

"The sun and I arose at the same time this morning, and 
'Joe' sounded his bugle to announce that we were both up. 

"Yesterday evening we were afforded a most splendid 
spectacle of a tornado. All the dust of all the army got on 
a rampage, and for a time overwhelmed us. We watched it 
approach for an hour, and then it almost overwhelmed us. 
Tents went up like paper kites, and some scenes were most 
ludicrously amusing. 

"My stable was blown to strips, and in the midst of the 
storm I was forced to go out to calm 'Secessia.' 'Solomon' 
was furious, the mule and the cows stampeded, and we had a 
great time. 

"This morning was beautiful, 

" 'For lightly and brightly shown the sun. 
As if the morn was a jocund one.'i 

Although we were anticipating to move at 8 o'clock, it might 
have been an appropriate harbinger of the day of regenera- 
tion of mankind, but it is only brought to remembrance 
through the throats of many bugles the duty enjoined upon 
each one, perhaps before the setting sun, to lay down a life 
for his country. 

"I send you numerous papers, which may give some sat- 
isfaction perhaps they are only copies, but I cannot use them 
now. One set is a settlement of my accounts with the gov- 
ernment. I send also four little rings and two larger ones. 
One is for Agnes, and I think the other ought to go to Aunt 
Rachel, maybe to 'Mag' or Kate. But do as you think proper. 

"I have sent you another two hundred dollars, of which 
I have heard nothing. It was my intention to have sent you 

1 See "Siege of Corinth," Byron, stanza XXH: 
"The night is past, and shines the sun, 
As if the morn were a jocund one; 
Lightly and brightly breaks away 
The morning from her mantle grey." 



When Grant Came 595 



one more remittance still, but I can get no satisfaction from 
my horse claims. 

"This will be a heavy budget, and I must close to get it 
off. 

"Today I am general officer of the day, and will have to 
ride forty miles. Thanks to God I am in perfect health, and 
will make duty a pleasure. 

"I am much indebted for so many favors by John, but 
was much annoyed to find Perry's boots two sizes too small. 
I was forced to sell them, and would like to have the price. 
I will not trust him again. 

"Now, good-bye, and God bless you, with my love to all. 

"Write always, for letters will come in time, and they 
are a great satisfaction, even when I cannot answer. 

"All our boys are well, well mounted and sanguine. 

"Your husband, 

"Alex. 

"P. S. — Papers received. 

"I send the other papers to 'Tom' Williams."^ 

On the night of the 3rd of May the Army of the Potomac 
broke camp and marched to the Rapidan. Alexander Hays 
never wrote again. 

1 Congressman Williams of Pittsburgh. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

THE WILDERNESS 

IN THE forward movement of the Army of the Potomac 
in what proved the bloodiest campaign of the whole 
war and the longest continued, the Second Corps led 
oflf, starting at ii o'clock, and at 6 in the morning the van 
crossed the Rapidan at Ely's Ford, and the whole Corps was 
across by ii A. M. of the 4th. Headquarters were estab- 
lished at the Chancellorsville peach orchard, on the very 
ground Leppine's Battery had been drawn oflf by hand exactly 
one year previously. Here amid the wreckage of Chancellors- 
ville the corps bivouacked, and early on the morning of the 
5th were on the march for Shady Grove Church, and when 
two miles past Todd's Tavern, after a halt of two hours, began 
the countermarch to hasten to the relief of General Getty and 
the Second Division of the Sixth Corps along the Brock Road. 
Birney's Division, the rear in the morning, was now in the 
advance. At 2 o'clock Birney had connected with Getty, and 
formed two lines of battle on the Brock Road, mainly south 
of the Plank Road, joining Getty's left. The Fifth had been 
engaged for some hours, and the Second Corps were in des- 
perate combat as soon as the assigned positions could be 
taken. 

The historian of the 63rd Pennsylvania Volunteers 
[Gilbert A. Hays] has told the story of Hays' Brigade in the 
opening of the Wilderness campaign as follows ■} 

"Just before midnight on Tuesday, May 3, 1864, the Army 
of the Potomac noiselessly broke camp, and the troops com- 
posing its different corps commenced their march on what 
has become known in history as the Wilderness campaign. 

"At sunset on that memorable day the officers of the 
Signal Corps of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia 
beheld from their station on Clark's Mountain the tents and 
quarters of the Union Army of the Potomac, with wagon 

1 "Under the Red Patch," Gilbert A. Hays, Page 230. Narrative 
of Lieut.-Col. E. B. Houghton, 17th Maine, who had up to March 
26, 1864, served on Gen. Hays' staff as Captain and A. A. Inspector 
General. 

596 



The Wilderness 597 



parks and batteries undisturbed and tranquil as though no 
movement was anticipated. On Wednesday, May 4th, 

" 'the sun 
Of morn looked down and saw not one.' 1 

"No unusual camp-fires were kindled, no sound of bugle, 
fife or drum was heard, yet in an almost incredibly short 
period the entire army, with its immense trains of ambu- 
lances, ammunition, supply and baggage wagons and artillery, 
was on the move. 

"So suddenly and unexpectedly to us came the orders 
that there was no possibility of the enemy receiving intelli- 
gence of the contemplated movement before, from his picket 
lines and signal stations in the morning, he beheld the de- 
serted camps of the Union forces around Stevensburg, 
Brandy Station and Culpepper Court House. Every corps, 
division, brigade and regiment had its appointed position, and 
moved punctually and quickly at the designated hour. 

"Shortly after daybreak on May 4th the Second Corps 
crossed the Rapidan upon a pontoon bridge at Ely's Ford 
without meeting any resistance from the enemy. Halting a 
half hour for breakfast and coffee, the march was resumed 
along the plank road, and early in the afternoon a halt was 
made on the Chancellorsville battlefield, on the very ground 
occupied by our division during the eventful engagement of 
Sunday, May 3rd, just one year before. The battlefield still 
showed signs of the memorable conflict. Skeletons and skulls 
of men and horses, fragments of shell and cannon-balls, with 
all the incidental debris of a fiercely contested battle, were 
thickly strewn upon the ground. Many soldiers lay where 
they fighting fell, with knapsacks, clothing and accoutrements 
clinging to their skeleton forms. Some were recognized and 
identified by their former comrades, others afforded no clue 
to their identity. Every foot of that historic battlefield seemed 
to possess peculiar interest to those who had participated in 
the sanguinary contest, and suggested sad incidents of the 
disastrous contest. 

"On the morning of the 5th the division marched at 5 
o'clock, passing the 'Furnaces,' ^ memorable as the scene of our 
engagement one year before, when the Third Corps was cut 
off from the army by the breaking of the Eleventh Corps. 

"On arriving at Todd's Tavern, on the Plank Road, lines 
of battle were formed, skirmishers sent forward, and such 
information received on developing the enemy's line as decided 
the commanding general to change the direction of our march, 
and with the brigade we marched by the left flank to near the 
junction of the Plank and Brock Road, where the next line of 
battle was formed. 

1 "Barbary Frietchie," Whittier. 

2 Catharpin Furnaces. 



598 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"General Hays was directed, with his brigade, to take 
position on the extreme right of the Second Corps, connect- 
ing with the Sixth Corps on its left. 

"After repeated attempts to locate the line with which 
connection was to be made had proved futile, the brigade 
was advanced to meet the enemy through the deep woods and 
undergrowth of the appropriately named 'Wilderness.' Our 
line was very close to that of the enemy, although the under- 
brush between made it almost impossible to see them, so that 
taking deliberate aim was out of the question. A fierce 
fusillade was maintained by both armies during the afternoon, 
and a number of prisoners were taken by the division. The 
enemy sullenly fell back before our persistent fire as we ad- 
vanced, leaving their dead and wounded in our lines. 

"Night coming on and the supply of ammunition failing, 
no further advance was made, but the position was held till 
fresh troops came to our relief, and the brigade fell back to 
the line originally established on the Brock Road. 

"It was early in the engagement that our beloved brigade 
commander and first colonel. Brigadier General Alexander 
Hays, the pride of the 63rd, and in fact of the whole army, 
was killed in front of his command, and strangely enough, 
among the soldiers of his original regiment. He, accom- 
panied by his staff, rode down along the line of battle., and 
when he came to the 63rd stopped, as he always did, to speak 
a few words of cheer and encouragement to his old boys, 
when a bullet struck him in the head and he fell from his 
horse, dying in about three hours. General Hays was killed 
just where he had said he wanted to die should he be killed 
during the war, 'at the head of the 63rd Regiment.' "^ 

Abbott's "History of the Civil War" thus refers to the 
events preceding the lamented death of our gallant chief: 

"General Alexander Hays, who, with General Birney, was 
bearing the brunt of this tremendous onset, sent back an im- 
ploring cry for reinforcements. Hancock replied : 'I will send 
him a brigade in twenty minutes. Tell him to hold his 
ground. He can do it; I know him to be a powerful man.' 
And he did hold the ground ; but alas ! it was his last battle, 
for soon after, when he had paused for an instant in front of 
the 63rd — his own regiment — a Rebel ball struck him in the 
head, and in a few hours death claimed for his prey the gallant, 
dashing Alexander Hays, and 'hero-like he died.' " ^ 

1 "Under the Red Patch," Page 230 et seq. 

2 "History of the Civil War in America," John S. C. Abbott. 



The Wilderness 599 

The death of General Hays is thus described by General 
Walker '^ 

"The losses had been heavy. Among the killed of that 
afternoon was General Alexander Hays. At Gettysburg, at 
Bristoe, at Mine Run, at Morton's Ford, this devoted officer 
rode, with his stafif and flag behind him, the mark of a thou- 
sand riflemen, the admiration of two armies, only to fall in a 
tangled wilderness where scarce a regiment could note his 
person, and derive inspiration from his courage and martial 
enthusiasm. All the peculiar advantages of the Army of the 
Potomac were sacrificed in this jungle fighting into which 
they were called to engage. Of what use here was the tactical 
skill and perfection of form ; of what use here the example 
and the personal influence of a Hays or a Hancock?" 

General A. A. Humphreys has written perhaps the best 
tactical account of the battle of the Wilderness, and after de- 
tailing the disposition of Hancock's troops in carrying out 
the orders to support General Getty in the position he had 
taken on the Brock Road, states that Birney's Division [Hays' 
and Ward's Brigades] had already taken [3:15 P. M.] posi- 
tion on Getty's left, the remaining divisions forming as they 
arrived on the solid ground : 

"The Brock Road was very narrow and heavily wooded 
on both sides, hence the formation of the infantry in line of 
battle was impeded ; their march had been greatly retarded 
by the artillery occupying the road. General Getty informed 
General Hancock when he came up that there were two divi- 
sions of Hill's in his front, and that he momentarily expected 
an attack. For that reason General Hancock directed the 
breastworks to be completed in order to receive the attack. 

"At 4:15 General Getty, in compliance with his orders 
from General Meade, advanced to the attack through thick 
undergrowth, and some four hundred yards from the Brock 
Road became hotly engaged with Heth's Division, part of 
which was lying down behind a crest of a small elevation. 

"Finding that General Getty had met the enemy in force, 
General Hancock ordered General Birney to advance his 
command [his own division and Mott's] to the support of 
Getty, although the formation he [General Hancock] had 
directed to be made before carrying out his instructions to 
advance was not yet completed. General Birney at once 
moved forward his own division on the right and Mott's on 
the left of Getty's, with a section of artillery on the Plank 
Road, which did good service in the course of the action. 

1 "History of the Second Army Corps," General Francis A. 
Walker, Page 416. See also "Military History of U. S. Grant," 
Badeau, Vol. II, Page 110. 



600 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



General Hancock says the fight became 'very fierce at once, 
the lines of battle were very close, the musketry continuous 
and deadly along the entire line.' General Alexander Hays, 
commanding the Second Brigade of Birney's Division, an 
officer of distinguished gallantry, was killed at the head of 
his brigade. Carroll's Brigade of Gibbon's Division was sent 
to the support of Getty's right, and Owen's Brigade of the 
same division to the support of Getty on the Plank Road. 
Colonel Carroll was wounded, but remained on the field. The 
battle continued with great severity until nearly 8 o'clock, 
when darkness and the dense forest put an end to it; fortu- 
nately for Hill, whose troops were shattered and disordered, 
an hour or more of daylight and he would have been driven 
from the field, for Longstreet and Anderson were many miles 
distant."^ 

Carroll's Brigade included the nine regiments formerly 
in his own and Smyth's Brigades of Alexander Hays' old 
Third Division. General Hays' original brigade, the four 
"Harper's Ferry regiments," were in Frank's, the Third 
Brigade of Barlow's, later Miles' Division, and previously 
Caldwell's. 

General Longstreet's account of these operations and the 
preliminary fighting along the Brock Road is substantially 
the same. The very next day Longstreet was so grievously 
wounded that his services were lost to Lee for over five 
months of most terrible warfare.^ 

A most graphic story of the most wonderful battle of 
modern times is to be found in the authority below :^ 

"And now from left to right the sound of the battle arises 
anew. Hancock is advancing, Sedgwick is advancing, Warren 
is in partial await. Along the left a guttural, oceanic roar 
prevails without an interval of rest. Like a great engine deal- 
ing death the Second Corps and its supports move forward, 
taking equal death in return. Companies fall, regiments are 
thinned, brigades melt away. Stricken in the head by a bullet. 
General Alexander Hays, commanding the Second Brigade of 
Birney's Division, has rolled from his horse, dead. General 
Getty is wounded. General Carroll is wounded, and a host of 
line officers are stricken low, but the enemy fights like a 
demon, and the fight moves on." 

1 "The Virginia Campaign of 1864 and 1865," Pages 32 and 33. 

2 "From Manassas to Appomattox," Pages 558 and 559. 
8 "Rebellion Records," Vol. XI, Documents, Page 441. 



The Wilderness 601 



Swinton's account of the engagement at this time is as 
follows :^ 

"The situation of the opposing forces was now peculiar 
enough. Warren had engaged Ewell on the turnpike with 
such result as has already been seen, and Hancocic now pre- 
pared to attack Hill on the Plank Road; but there was no 
connection whatever either between the two Federal or the 
two Confederate columns. Each combat, in fact, had the 
character of an action in a defile, and had very slight bearing 
the one on the other. 

"A little past 4 o'clock the attack on Hill was opened by 
Getty's command. His troops encountered the enemy in a 
line of battle, not intrenched, about three hundred paces in 
front of the Brock Road, and immediately became hotly en- 
gaged. But as it was soon manifest that the Confederates 
were present in heavy force, Hancock advanced his own corps. 
The fight at once grew very fierce, the opposing forces being 
exceedingly close and the musketry continuous and deadly 
along the whole line. Hancock attacked with the utmost vigor 
in what Lee justly calls 'repeated and desperate assaults;' 
but the Confederates, seeking what cover the ground afforded, 
and hidden by the forest, met the advancing lines with such 
well-delivered and murderous volleys that Hancock was every 
time checked. Mott's Division gave way, and Brigadier 
General Alexander Hays, in going to repair the break in the 
line, was shot dead while gallantly leading his command in 
the thickest of the fight." 

Dr. Morris Schafif, in his recent exhaustive work on the 
battle of the Wilderness, does full justice to Alexander Hays. 
He says:^ 

"Hays, who had been sent just as the action began to 
Getty's right, after having double-quicked to his position, 
rested for a moment and then moved forward, the 17th Maine 
on his extreme right. As Davis [Confederate] reached far 
beyond Wheaton's right, Hays soon came up against him and 
joined battle at once. Owing to the nature of the ground — 
the zigzagging morasses between them — continuous lines 
could not be maintained by either side, and the result was that 
wings of regiments became separated from each other ; but, 
together or apart, the fighting was desperate, and it is claimed 
that Hays' Brigade^ lost more men than any other of our army 

1 "Army of the Potomac," William Swinton, Page 425. 

2 "The Battle of the Wilderness," Schaff, Page 185. 

3 Alexander Hays' Brigade was made up as follows: 4th and 
17th Maine, 93rd New York, 57th, 63rd and 105th Pennsylvania, 
3rd and 5th Michigan, and the 1st United States Sharpshooters. 
April 18, 1864, the 68th Pennsylvania Regiment had been detached 
for service at General Meade's headquarters. 



602 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



in the Wilderness. Hays himself [a classmate of Hancock, 
both being in the class after Grant], during a lull, rode down 
the line of battle with his staff, and when he reached his old 
regiment, the 63rd Pennsylvania, he stopped. While he was 
speaking a kindly word a bullet struck him just above the 
cord of the hat, crashing into his brain; he fell from his horse 
and died within a few hours, and a braver spirit never rose 
from any field." 

General Frank Wheaton's Brigade was the first of 
Getty's Second Division of the Sixth Corps, and included 
the 102nd and 139th Pennsylvania Regiments from Pitts- 
burgh, and nearby to where General Hays fell another gallant 
soldier yielded up his life and about the same time — Colonel 
John W. Patterson of the 102nd Pennsylvania. It is worthy 
of note that the two divisions, Heth's and Wilcox's, of A. P. 
Hill's Corps, were in the main North Carolina troops, and 
they had been opposed to Hancock, and especially Alexander 
Hays' Division at Gettysburg, and now again in Hancock's 
front on the Brock Road were fighting even more desper- 
ately. 

The whole of the Second Corps was soon engaged, and 
the slaughter of those fateful days is long since history, but 
it may be well to refer to such accounts as relate to General 
Alexander Hays and his death. 

Of the many books written of the great war, and 
especially of the Army of the Potomac, by participants, none 
are more valued than General Porter's. We quote :^ 

GRANT HEARS OF THE DEATH OF AN OLD COMRADE 

"After having learned from personal inspection the exact 
character of the locality in which the battle was to be fought, 
General Grant returned to headquarters in order to be able to 
communicate more promptly with the different commands. 
News had been received that Hill's Corps of Lee's army was 
moving up rapidly on the Orange Plank Road. Grant was 
now becoming impatient to take the initiative against the 
enemy, and stafif officers were sent with important orders to 
all parts of the line. It was soon seen that the infantry would 
have to fight it out without much aid from the artillery, as it 
was impossible to move many batteries to the front owing to 
the difficult nature of the ground. Hancock, with great 
energy, had thrown forward two of his divisions to support 

1 "Campaigning With Grant," General Horace Porter, Page 52. 



The Wilderness 603 



Getty, who had already attacked Hill. I was sent to com- 
municate with Hancock during this part of the engagement. 
The fighting had become exceedingly severe on that part of 
the field. General Alexander Hays, one of the most gallant 
oflficers in the service, commanding one of Hancock's brigades, 
finding that his line had broken, rushed forward to encourage 
his troops, and was instantly killed. Getty and Carroll were 
severely wounded, but both refused to leave the field, and 
continued to command their troops throughout the fight. 
After remaining for some time with Hancock's men, I re- 
turned to headquarters to report the situation to the general- 
in-chief, and carried to him the sad intelligence of Hays' 
death. General Grant was by no means a demonstrative man, 
but upon learning the intelligence I brought he was visibly 
affected. He was seated upon the ground, with his back 
against a tree, still whittling pine sticks. He sat for a time 
without uttering a word, and then, speaking in a low voice, 
and pausing between the sentences, said : 'Hays and I were 
cadets together for three years. We served for a time in the 
same regiment in the Mexican War. He was a noble man 
and a gallant officer. I am not surprised that he met his 
death at the head of his troops ; it was just like him. He was 
a man who would never follow, but would always lead in 
battle.' " 



The historian of the 126th New York Volunteers says :^ 

"Alexander Hays and a large number of other field 
officers fell. No officer could be more regretted by the [old] 
Third Brigade than General Hays, whose men followed him 
from love to his person and faith in his success." 

Of the death of this general, Coppee says i^ 

"There was a temporary break in our line. Into this, 
with characteristic impetuosity, rushed Brigadier General 
Alexander Hays, with the Second Brigade of Birney's Divi- 
sion, to repair it. He was shot dead while gallantly leading 
his command into the thickest of the fight. * * * To ardent 
patriotism General Hays added the noble ambition of an 
educated and experienced soldier. Frank, brave, quick and 
energetic, he was the model of a commander. His men loved 
him, and followed him, because he not only commanded but 
led them ; and, although not in the highest position, we sus- 
tained no greater loss on that day than that of the noble 
Hays." 

1 "Disaster, Struggle, Triumph," Page 245. 

2 "Life of Grant," Coppee, Page 302. See also Ibid 296. 



604 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Among the many newspaper accounts of the battle the 
following have been preserved : 

"Up to I o'clock this Sunday morning no reports have 
been received at the War Department from the Army of the 
Potomac of operations later than Thursday night. General 
Burnside had at that time formed a junction, by a forced 
march from Manassas, with General Meade's army. On 
Thursday vigorous efforts were made by the Rebels to break 
General Meade's line and separate his corps. For that pur- 
pose the Rebel forces were massed, and, under the command 
of General Longstreet, endeavored to penetrate between the 
center, held by General Warren, at the Wilderness, and the 
right wing, commanded by Sedgwick, and resting on Ger- 
manna Ford. Failing in this. Hill's Corps, under command 
of General A. P. Hill, the strongest in the Rebel army, was 
further strengthened by a portion of Ewell's Corps, tried to 
break through between Warren's center and our left wing, 
commanded by General Hancock, but this effort also proved 
abortive. The New York Cavalry were pushed forward 
towards Orange Court House, but were forced back with 
considerable loss. On Thursday night the position of the 
Army of the Potomac remained as it had been during the 
day: Warren in the center, at the 'Wilderness;' Hancock at 
Chancellorsville, on the left ; and Sedgwick on the right, ex- 
tending to Germanna Ford. In these operations not more 
than one-half of Meade's army was engaged, but the loss 
is reported to have been severe. Among the casualties the 
country will regret the death of Brigadier General Alexander 
Hays of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This gallant officer had 
served during the whole war, having entered the service at 
the breaking out of the rebellion. General Hays was a 
graduate of West Point, and was at the Academy at the same 
time with General Grant. He served with great credit dur- 
ing the Mexican War, and for personal gallantry and daring 
courage he was one of the most distinguished officers in the 
United States service. He belonged originally to the Third 
Corps, and, on the late reorganization of the army, he was 
attached to Hancock's Corps. He held the position which 
bore the brunt of General A. P. Hill's attack, and fell at the 
head of his command, just at the moment that support had 
been ordered forward to assist him." — New York Herald, 
May 9, 1864. 

In a newspaper story of long ago, entitled "Three Years 
in the Ranks; or, Memoirs of Camp, Bivouac and Battle," 
written by Phil K. Faulk, Esq., in his chapter headed "Battle 
of the Wilderness," he speaks thus: 



The Wilderness 605 



"The heroic Hays, reckless of life, dashing and terrible 
as was Murat or Napoleon's grand army — fell as all such men 
pray to fall — on the field of their glory. No braver soul went 
up into the presence of the God of battles from the fearful 
havoc and carnage of that awful struggle, than that of the 
impetuous and unconquerable General Alexander Hays, 
former colonel of the 63rd Pennsylvania.^ 

Another account says : 

"On a line of not more than one mile the struggle went 
on for three hours. Not less than twenty thousand men 
were massed against the extreme left of the army. It was 
impossible to use artillery on either side, and equally impos- 
sible to maneuver. The fight was all musketry, and it was 
long before any ground was either gained or lost. Early in 
this engagement General Alexander Hays' Brigade had be- 
come hotly engaged, and General Hays had sent back for 
reinforcements. Hancock answers, 'You shall have them in 
twenty minutes.' But before the time had passed. General 
Hays was killed and was carried to the rear." — The Pitts- 
burgh Chronicle, May 6, 1864. 

The Butler Times published the following story in its 
issue of January 29, 1908 : 

RETURN OF A SWORD IS A REAL ROMANCE 



Sword Lost by Northern Officer on Southern Battlefield Will Be 
Returned to His Family. 



"The sword of Brigadier General Alexander Hays, which 
was lost when that officer fell dead on the field in the bloody 
battle of the Wilderness, has been recovered, and is now in 
the possession of Senator A. G. Williams, after having re- 
mained in the possession of a Confederate officer for over 
forty years, its whereabouts during that time unknown in the 
North. 

"The sword reached Senator Williams from the South 
a day or so ago, and in a few days will be taken to Pitts- 
burgh, where it will be formally presented at a meeting of 
the Alexander Hays Post of that city. The sword has already 
caused considerable excitement in G. A. R. circles, and on 
account of the great popularity of General Hays and the 
romance that attaches to its loss and recovery, the Pittsburgh 
veterans anticipate a memorable day when it is restored to 
the post. 

"The post has among its greatest treasures a sword 
owned by the general, but it was a parade sword, and the 

1 The year of this publication is 1867 or 1868. 



606 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

one which has just arrived in the North, which will replace 
it in rank, is the one the general carried when he was killed, 
and which carries the marks of active warfare upon it. The 
one which has just arrived carries with it a number of silent 
reminders of the famous battle in which he was killed. 

"General Hays was among the most gallant and popular 
of the generals of the Union army. He came of a prominent 
Pittsburgh family, members of which are still prominent in 
that city's afifairs. He was the original colonel of the 63rd 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, but for bravery in August, 1862, in 
the second battle of Bull Run, he was promoted to a brigadier 
general and assigned to Hancock's Second Corps. 

"On May 5, 1864, his brigade, of which Company E, com- 
manded by Senator Williams, was a part, moved in the morn- 
ing from Chancellorsville, and at dinner time had reached 
Todd's Tavern, when they were attracted by firing in the rear. 
A hasty return was made to the junction of Brock and the 
Wilderness Roads, where a terrific battle was on. Into this, 
one of the bloodiest and most famous of the Civil War, where 
the two lines were fighting, with barely one hundred yards 
separating them. General Hays led his forces. The heavy 
undergrowth of the Wilderness prevented any real formation 
of the lines, and the fight was carried on with the greatest 
chaos on all sides. 

"General Hays met the ideal death of the soldier while 
astride his horse directing and encouraging his men. A bullet 
pierced his brain, entering the forehead. He was dead when 
he was carried by members of his stalT back to Brock's Road. 
His sword had been left on the field when his clothes were 
thrown open, and has been missing then and until within a 
few days. 

"Senator Williams was but a few feet distant from the 
general when he was killed. Senator Williams had just de- 
tected a flank movement on the part of the enemy, who were 
barely twenty-five yards distant from his company, and slip- 
ping to the rear under cover of the heavy brush. He had 
reported to his colonel, then returned to his company, directed 
a change of front and had just received the congratulations 
of his commanding oflficer for the maneuvering when a missle 
crushed Senator Williams' skull, and he was left in an un- 
conscious condition on the field for four days. He was be- 
lieved to be among the dead, large numbers of which were 
all about him. The local Senator was wounded ten minutes 
after General Hays was killed. 

"The sword of General Hays was secured by Adjutant 
John T. Gregory of the 12th North Carolina Volunteers, 
C. S. A., as recent developments disclosed. He valued the 
trophy highly, largely, as he afterwards often told, because 
he knew it was a remarkably brave general who had carried 
it, this deduction being due to the fact that the general had 



The Wilderness 607 



fallen where the ground was literally strewn with the bodies 
of soldiers. 

"Adjutant Gregory was captured with three thousand 
prisoners, and was taken by the Union forces to Fort Dela- 
ware, where he was held for almost a year. But before cap- 
ture he had entrusted the sword to the care of a colored 
servant who had accompanied him, and the servant was in- 
structed to take the trophy to his southern home, where it 
has since been. The adjutant died in 1905. 

''In last December Senator Williams received a letter 
from Edwin G. Gregory of Salisbury, N. C., a son of the 
adjutant and the law partner of United States Senator L. S. 
Overman of that state. The southerner wanted information 
of the relatives of General Hays, stating that he was desirous 
of restoring to the North an interesting relic of the war. 
Other letters followed, which resulted in the sword being 
expressed to Senator Williams, who now has it in his posses- 
sion. The southern attorney was invited to visit the North 
at the expense of the Regimental Association to bring the 
sword and present it, but ill health prevented him, and he 
delegated the honor of presenting it to Senator Williams. 

"In 1906 the Regimental Association held a reunion on 
the famous battle ground, and dedicated the Hays monument, 
which is located at the point where he fell. The date hap- 
pened to be that of the memorial day of the Confederate 
veterans, and several thousand of them were on the field to 
mingle with the men from the North. 

"Prom.inent southerners joined in the exercises of the 
Hays monument dedication, and unexpectedly Senator 
Williams had conferred on him the honor of placing a large 
wreath the Confederates had brought along on the monument 
of Stonewall Jackson. His address to the Confederates 
aroused their enthusiasm to a high pitch, and they gave him 
a great send-off. It is believed this incident was responsible 
for Mr. Gregory seeking out the local gentleman in return- 
ing the sword. The sword will be formally presented to 
Gilbert A. Hays, son of the general. Mrs. Agnes A. Gormly, 
a prominent woman who died a few weeks ago in Sewickley, 
was a daughter of the general. 

"Capt. David Shields is making arrangements for the 
open meeting of the Hays Post, which, it is expected, will be 
one of the most notable the post has ever had, as the recovery 
of the sword has already started a flood of reminiscences 
going in G. A. R. circles. The sword, which is in good condi- 
tion, has the name of the general engraved upon it, and has 
been identified beyond question, as a number remembered it." 

As a matter of fact seven swords are kept by the children. 

General Hays' children are seven in number. They are : 

Mrs. George A. Gormly, Sewickley; Alden F. Hays, Sewick- 



608 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

ley; Mrs. John S. Sullivan, St. Louis; Gilbert A. Hays, 
Sewickley; Mrs. Martha A. Black, Sewickley; Alfred O. Hays, 
Centralia, Wash., and James M. Hays, St, Louis.^ 

Of General Hays' swords, seven in number, each of his 
children owns one. That presented by the citizens of Pitts- 
burgh, a magnificent piece of work, belongs to the eldest son, 
Alden. The one carried by him at his death now hangs under 
his portrait in the residence of Gilbert A. Hays. 

It is a pity to spoil a good story, but it is not the 
sword carried by the general at his death. The returned 
sword was one from the general's collection that had been 
lost or stolen from the headquarters wagon. 

The Sewickley "Herald" also published the story at the 
time, adding: 

"Capt. David Shields, who served as personal aide-de- 
camp to General Hays, positively identified the sword when 
received with seemingly as great pleasure as Mr. Hays, and 
states that it was the one occasionally worn by the general 
in active service, and had been presented by the 'Texan 
Rangers,' an organization of the Mexican War, as an evidence 
of their admiration and esteem for him. Later General Hays 
had the inscription, that made its recovery possible, engraved 
on the scabbard. 

"The Hays family are profoundly grateful to Senator 
Gregory for his graceful act in returning the sword. 

"It will be remembered that two years ago, at the dedica- 
tion of the monument marking the spot where General Hays 
fell in the Wilderness, the exercises were participated in by 
'the Blue and the Gray,' each side having equal parts in the 
program, so that the general's children can feel that it was 
'bread cast upon the waters' when they shared the honors 
of the dedication with their father's former enemies." 

When Capt. Sullivan heard the story he immediately 
wrote as follows : 

"St. Louis, Mo., February 5th, 1908. 
"Gilbert A. Hays, Esq., 

"Sewickley, Penna. : 

"Dear 'Gib': — Yours of the 31st ult. to hand, together 
with the newspaper clipping about your father's sword 
having turned up in possession of a North Carolina soldier. 
It is all news to me. I don't take any stock in the story. 

"As you know, I was at your father's side when he fell, 

1 Since above was penned Mrs. Gormly and Mrs. Black have died. 



The Wilderness 609 



May 5th, 1864, at the Wilderness, and never left him until I 
turned his remains over to Dr. Scott at the field hospital, 
who did the preliminary embalming. Am very clear in my 
mind that I took all the general's effects, including his sword, 
sash, etc., back to this hospital. Some time that evening or 
night I returned to the position held by our lines when the 
general fell, and they were but little changed. I returned to 
the front next forenoon to learn who had been killed or 
wounded. The lines were much the same as on the previous 
day. The fighting, when resumed, was towards Todd's 
Tavern, and some days later continued out Spottsylvania 
way. So it is doubtful if the Rebels ever occupied the posi- 
tion held by our command May 5th, 1864. Certainly, they 
did not for twenty-four hours, and I don't think it possible 
for the sword to have remained on the field all this time with- 
out someone finding it. Of all things, the sword worn by 
the general when he fell would have commanded, in fact, 
demanded my attention. 

"I was given leave to take the body to Washington, and 
there to report for orders to the Secretary of War, After 
taking the remains to an undertaking office, I reported as 
ordered, and was informed by Mr. Stanton that Mr. Mc- 
Fadden was there and he would look after the remains, and 
that I should report back to my command. I presume I 
showed some resentment to this order, for certainly respect 
would warrant an officer being sent home with the body. 
The sequel comes later. 

"I then turned the remains over to your Uncle James, 
together with the general's effects. With these effects must 
have been the sword. Most certainly the sword of all other 
things I would guard. On returning to the hotel I found 
Mr. Stanton had reconsidered my orders. I found a five days* 
leave and transportation to Pittsburgh and return, with 
directions to return to the army. Your mother afterwards 
wrote me she had received the general's effects after I left 
Pittsburgh, and later showed me his sword and sash. There 
is no doubt in my mind that that was his sash and sword 
your father had on when he fell in the battle of the Wilder- 
ness, May 5, 1864. 

"The stor}'^ you send has a touch of romance, and it is 
almost a pity to dispel it, but I don't believe a word of it, 

"Hope you will find the above of some value. 
"Your brother, 

"J. S. Sullivan." 

"Uncle James" was James B. McFadden, who died in 
1907. Captain Sullivan had likely forgotten about the lost 
sword. The return of the sword was a graceful act, and made 
the sword collection again complete. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

HONORS TO THE FALLEN 

THE first intelligence of General Hays' death in Pitts- 
burgh came in a telegram from Secretary Stanton 
himself, to-wit : 

"War Department, 

"Washington, May 7, 8 P. M. 
"Hon. Thomas M. Howe : 

"I deeply regret to inform you that intelligence has just 
reached this department that in the engagement near Chan- 
cellorsville, on Thursday, Brigadier General Alexander Hays 
of Pittsburgh was killed at the head of his command while 
gallantly maintaining his position against a superior force. 
His remains are believed to be in possession of our forces, 
but there is no means of communication with the army. You 
will please communicate this sad intelligence to Mr. John B. 
McFadden and the family of General Hays. The remains will 
be forwarded as soon as they reach here, which may not be 
for some days, as the army is between thirty and forty miles 
in advance of railroad or telegraphic communication, and there 
is no means of transportation. No casualties to any other 
officer is reported. 

"Edwin M. Stanton, 
"Secretary of War." 

The body of General Hays was sent to Washington as 
soon as it was possible under the circumstances, but it did 
not reach Pittsburgh until May 13th. The remains were first 
taken to the family residence of John B. McFadden, No. 104 
Penn street [now avenue], and from thence to the First Pres- 
byterian Church on Wood street, near Sixth street [now 
avenue], where the services were held. There was a general 
suspension of business on that day, and the loyal city of his 
adoption paid sad homage to the memory of one loved and 
admired by all. As the funeral cortege passed to the Alle- 
gheny Cemetery cannon boomed from the hillside in honor 
of the dead soldier, while thousands of people, with uncovered 
heads as the hearse passed, lined the streets. 

610 



Honors to the Fallen 611 

At the risk of repetition the following newspaper ac- 
counts of the obsequies are given as showing the universal 
esteem in which the general was held. There was evidently 
no concert of action by the editorial writers, and the unan- 
imity of the thought was spontaneous and heartfelt. The 
action of the city officials and the City Councils was likewise 
just and sympathetic. This action was not only official, but 
it was in thorough accord with the prevailing sentiment 
peculiar to the war times. 

The ensuing extended account is from the old Pittsburgh 
"Commercial" of May i6, 1864: 

OBSEaUIES TO GENERAL HAYS 



Imposing and Solemn Ceremonies. 

Grand Military Display. 

Address by the Rev. Dr. Paxton. 

"Notwithstanding the inclement state of the weather on 
Saturday afternoon, an immense concourse of people lined 
Wood street in the vicinity of the First Presbyterian Church, 
whilst the spacious edifice was filled to overflowing, all drawn 
thither to witness the funeral ceremonies of the late Brigadier 
General Alexander Hays. Since the beginning of this deso- 
lating war Pittsburgh has been repeatedly called upon to 
mourn the loss of her noblest sons, but, perhaps, it were not 
amiss to say that no event in the course of the war has caused 
such an overshadowing gloom in this community as the death 
of General Hays. We have before announced the arrival of 
his body, and its being escorted to the residence of his father- 
in-law, John B. McFadden, Esq., by a company of the Invalid 
Corps. On Friday evening the remains were moved to the 
First Presbyterian Church on Wood street, and Saturday 
morning the doors were thrown open to the eager throngs 
who were anxious to take a last look at the gallant dead. The 
coffin was placed on a bier in the vestibule of the church, 
tastefully draped with the national flag. On the top was dis- 
played the five swords which had been worn by General Hays 
in his campaign in Mexico and of the present war, all of which 
had been presented to him as a testimonial of his valuable 
services on the tented field. A beautiful wreath of white 
flowers and evergreens also adorned the coffin. The face of 
the corpse alone was visible. The crowd that gathered to 
view the remains passed in at the door of the church next to 



612 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Virgin alley, and after lingering a moment were ushered out 
at the upper or Sixth street door. A guard of soldiers was 
in attendance, and every politeness was shown to the public. 
During the time the body lay in state thousands of our citizens 
visited the church, and all seemed to be deeply moved at the 
spectacle of one so noble and so brave now sleeping in the 
cold embrace of death. 

"At I o'clock the lid of the coffin was closed, when it was 
removed into the church and placed in front of the altar, 
which was draped in mourning and covered with the American 
flag, entwined with wreaths of laurel. Previous to the com- 
mencement of the funeral services the deep-toned organ 
chanted a solemn dirge, which seemed to inspire the audience 
with feelings of reverential awe, whilst, at intervals, the re- 
port of minute guns, fired from a section of Knaps' Battery, 
was heard in the distance, combining to deepen the solemnity 
of the occasion. The services were opened by Rev. Dr. 
Howard, who read that old, familiar and appropriate hymn: 

" 'Hark, from the tombs a doleful sound, 
My ears attend the cry, 
Ye living men come view the ground 
Where you must shortly lie.' 

Which was sung by the choir with a feeling and pathos befit- 
ting the solemn occasion. Dr. Howard then read appropriate 
portions of the sacred Scriptures, after which he offered up 
a most fervent and appropriate prayer. Rev. Dr. Paxton, 
pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, then proceeded to 
address the assemblage in a manner befitting the interesting 
and solemn occasion, touching upon the life, public services 
and heroic deeds of the deceased. In the course of his re- 
marks, the reverend gentleman said : 

" 'The battle of Waterloo saved Europe, but it clad all 
England in mourning. So the battle of the Wilderness saved 
our country, but it has filled the nation's heart and the nation's 
homes with sorrow. The glad sound of victory rings through 
the land, mingled with the groans of the dying, and the wail 
of the widow and the orphan. In how many households is 
all joy darkened — how does the land mourn and the heart of 
the nation sigh under its weight of woe ! But we verily be- 
lieve our country is saved. Heroic men have cheerfully given 
their lives for its safety, and heroic women have given their 
husbands and sons as martyrs to truth and freedom. 

" 'All honor to the nation's heroes. A profound admira- 
tion for heroic character is one of the most deeply-seated, as 
it is one of the most common, sentiments of human nature. 



Honors to the Fallen 613 



One of the earliest inspirations of our childhood is to pay the 
instinctive homage of our applause to the man who proves 
himself a hero. Under the inspiration of this same feeling 
now [which is one of the most natural and noble feelings of 
our humanity] we have assembled to do honor to one who 
has done honor to us and to our common country. To re- 
count, in brief, the varied events of his patriotic life is his 
best eulogium. 

" 'Brigadier General Alexander Hays was the son of 
General Samuel Hays of Venango county. Pa. He was born 
in 18 19 — graduated from the military academy at West Point 
in 1844 — in the same class with Commander Grant,^ whose 
friendship and confidence he always enjoyed — entered immedi- 
ately into the service of his country as a lieutenant, in the 
4th Regiment of Infantry, in the Army of Observation, then 
stationed in Louisiana. At the opening of the war with 
Mexico he was one of the first to enter the field, and fought 
with distinguished gallantry in the battles of Palto Alto and 
Resaca de la Palma, capturing, in connection with the brave 
and lamented Lieut. Woods of Mifflin county, the first gun 
that was wrested from the enemy. Returning home he en- 
listed and disciplined two hundred men, and joined the army 
at Vera Cruz, and marched with it to the relief of the besieged 
garrison at Pueblo. He was there, as a reward of merit, 
honored with an appointment as aide-de-camp to General 
Lane, and, proceeding with him upon an expedition against 
the Mexican guerrillas, was engaged in many severe skir- 
mishes and some heavy conflicts in their march to the City 
of Mexico. 

" 'His record during the whole Mexican War was that 
of a brave and skillful soldier, whose courage could be trusted 
in any emergency, and whose ability to execute was equal to 
his will to dare. At the close of the war, his active spirit re- 
coiling from the dull routine of mere garrison duty, he re- 
signed and returned home with honor, having acquitted him- 
self heroically in seventeen engagements with the enemy. 

" 'After his return he devoted himself to the work of a 
civil engineer — and in this profession he served in various 
capacities in California, and more recently in our own city and 
county, in connection with the various railroads then in the 
course of construction. The news of the attack upon Fort 
Sumter found him busily employed upon the plan of a rail- 
road bridge. He immediately arose — and, putting away his 
papers and instruments, said to his wife that "that work was 
now finished, his country called, and he must hasten to the 
field." 



1 An erroneous statement, oft repeated. 



614 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



" 'He was immediately elected captain of the City Guards, 
and a few days after major of the 12th Regiment of Volun- 
teers, which had been raised in this city, and marched with 
them on the 27th day of April, 1861. I well remember his 
presence in that pew, when, with that noble company, the 
City Guards, he came to ask the prayers of God's people, and 
to listen to a farewell sermon before they marched to the 
field of action. In the month of July following, the term of 
the enlistment of his regiment having expired, he returned 
and raised the 63rd Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
and, as its colonel, led it to the field, and shared the glory of 
its exploits in the battles of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair 
Oaks, the Orchard, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Groveton and 
Chantilly, In this last engagement he was wounded, and 
laid aside from active duty for a brief period. Upon his re- 
covery he was promoted, as the reward of his bravery and 
skill, to the position of brigadier general. ^ 

" 'Since then his record is coincident with the actions and 
fortunes of the Army of the Potomac. At Gettysburg he 
commanded, not a brigade, but a division [Third Division of 
the Second Corps of the army], which he disposed and 
maneuvered in such a masterly manner as to elicit the ad- 
miration of all who witnessed the conflict, whilst his own 
deeds of personal bravery were such as to inspire his men 
with a spirit of dauntless heroism. His efficiency upon that 
occasion is sufficiently evinced by the single fact that his divi- 
sion alone captured twenty battle flags from the Rebel foe. 
The enemy themselves were astonished at his feats of daring, 
and expressed their admiration of a general so skillful and so 
terribly in earnest. 

" 'It is doubtless true that he, as much as any other man, 
was instrumental in the achievement of that memorable 
victory — which turned the tide of war, and drove back the 
enemy, shattered and humiliated, from the soil of Pennsyl- 
vania.' 

"Dr. Paxton here quoted from the Buflfalo 'Commercial' 
in regard to General Hays at the Wilderness. 

" 'In the beginning of this last engagement, when General 
Hancock took position and was immediately assailed by the 
full corps of General Longstreet, General Hays, with his 
brigade, occupied a front position in the thickest of the fight. 
They had been engaged for about one-half an hour when 
General Hays, after riding along his whole line, halted at the 
head of his old regiment [the 63rd]. He had scarce paused 
when a rifle ball struck him just above the cord of his hat, 
and, penetrating the brain, he fell insensible to the ground. 

1 General Hays was wounded, August 28, three days before the 
engagement at Chantilly. 



Honors to the Fallen 615 

He breathed hardly for three hours afterwards, and then, 
without a return of consciousness, expired. 

" 'Thus fell the hero of thirty-two battlefields. He fell 
just where he should have wished to have fallen— at the head 
of his own old regiment— the 63rd Pennsylvania. He fell just 
as every patriot soldier should fall with his face to the foe. 
He fell heroically, gloriously, as the Secretary of War an- 
nounced, at the head of his column, cheering and sustaining 
it against an overwhelming force of the enemy. 

" 'We mourn his loss, for the fall of such a soldier, and 
such a leader, at such a crisis when our country needs brave 
hearts and strong arms, is no small calamity. All who knew 
him agree that he never feared a foe, that he was as brave a 
man as ever entered a field of battle. His best eulogium is 
contained in words of one of his own comrades in arms, who 
said that his simple presence would make a regiment of 
cowards brave. 

'Whilst we mourn his loss, we feel it to be a happy 
heritage to honor his memory. The solemn feeling that per- 
vades this community; the closing of places of business; the 
concourse of citizens to this sanctuary; with the volunteer 
tribute of martial honors — all give evidence of the depth to 
which the common heart is stirred, and of the afifection and 
admiration which his memory awakens. 

" 'The battle is fought and the victory won ; and we honor 
the patriots who achieved it. And now, friends, fellow- 
citizens, look upon that bier — 

" 'He lies like a hero taking his rest, 
With his martial shroud around him.' 

" 'His battle-flag is his winding-sheet, and on his bosom 
rest five swords, each the reward of valor: One — the gift of 
his early friends and companions in his native town [Frank- 
lin], as the reward of his gallantry in the battles of Palo Alto 
and Resaca de la Palma. Another — a token of affection and 
admiration from the Texan Rangers. A third — presented to 
him by his own company [the City Guards], through the 
brave and lamented Colonel Childs. The fourth — an elegant 
and expensive sword recently presented to him as a testi- 
mony of the confidence and regard of the citizens of Pitts- 
burgh. The fifth — this battle sword, which he carried when 
he fell on the field of carnage. 

" 'And now to all these honors we add this day the tribute 
of our deep, heartfelt gratitude and our tender, affectionate 
remembrance. Whatever other debts this nation may re- 
pudiate, let us never repudiate the debt of gratitude we owe 
to the memories and to the widows and orphans of the noble 
men who have laid their lives upon their country's altar. We 



616 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



honor General Alexander Hays, as Americans, for his true- 
hearted devotion to our common country. We honor him, as 
Pennsylvanians, for his achievements in driving the Rebel 
hoard from Pennsylvania soil. We honor him, as Pittsburgh- 
ers, as the embodiment and representative of the loyalty and 
courage of this city in the armies of freedom. All honor to 
the fallen hero ! 

" 'Soldier, rest, thy warfare o'er; 

Sleep the sleep that knows no waking, 

"Upon the conclusion of Dr. Paxton's address, a doxology 
was sung by the choir and the benediction pronounced. The 
body w^as then borne from the church by the following pall- 
bearers : 

"Lieut. Colonel Cross, Colonel Morris, Major Peale, 
Major McCandless, Major Barnes, Capt. Irish, Capt. Hayman 
and Capt. Moorhead. And on its appearance the miHtary 
escort, under command of Lieut. Colonel Foulk of the 46th 
Regiment, Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, consisting of a 
battalion of infantry, composed of companies on provost duty 
in this city and from Camp Reynolds, which had been 
previously formed on Fourth street, and marched up Wood 
street in column by platoon to the church, where it was 
formed, the left resting near Liberty, was promptly brought 
to a 'present,' when the band commenced its solemn strains, 
and the corpse was borne silently along the line to the right 
of the escort, the cofifin, tastefully decorated with the Amer- 
ican flag and a white wreath of flowers, and placed in the 
hearse. The battalion was then brought to a 'shoulder,' 
wheeled in column by platoon to the left, when arms were 
reversed, and marched in this way, 'left in front,' to the grave. 
Then came the procession in the following order: 

"Pall-bearers. 

Officers and men of 63rd Regiment as mourners. 

Officers of the United States Army. 

Family and Friends. 

Ninth Reserves and Associations. 

Mayor of the city and members of Councils. 

Citizens. 

"The funeral cortege passed from the church up Wood 
street to Liberty, up Liberty to Hand,^ down Hand to Penn, 
thence along Penn to the Allegheny Cemetery. The proces- 
sion was one of the largest and most imposing ever seen in 
the city, and all along the route the pavement and windows 
were crowded with persons anxious to witness the last sad 
ceremonies of a brave and noble officer. The stores and prin- 
cipal business houses of the city were closed, in accord with 
the request of the Mayor, issued at the instance of some of 
our prominent citizens, and on every hand there was visible 
the deepest gloom. 

1 Hand Street — later Ninth, now Anderson Street. 



Honors to the Fallen 617 

. ,."^"7t"g^ at the grave, the escort was halted, and formed 
in line of battle opposite the grave. As the corpse passed 
from the right along the line, the escort was brought 
J°u a, 'P^sent,' and on reaching the grave came to a 
shoulder, and 'rest on arms.' When the coffin had been 
lowered to its last resting place, the Episcopal burial service 
was read by Rev. Dr. Page of Christ's Church. The escort 
was then brought to an 'attention,' and the orders 'shoulder' 
and load at will' given. After due precaution had been taken 
by Lieut. Colonel Foulk, commander of the battalion, to have 
the friends of the deceased and strangers removed, so that 
no accident might possibly occur, the entire escort fired three 
volleys over the grave. This last sad rite performed in honor 
of a beloved companion-in-arms, the escort returned to the 
city, preceded by the band, marching in column by platoon 
down Penn to St. Clair, up St. Clair to Market, along Market 
to Fifth, along Fifth to Smithfield, and down Smithfield to 
the Girard House, when it was brought into line and dis- 
missed. ^ 

"The military escort was under command of Lieut 
Colonel Foulk assisted by Major Young, Capt. McClintock 
and Lieut. Williams, U. S. A., Lieut. Samuel Harper acting 
as adjutant. We cannot refrain, in conclusion, to notice the 
admirable manner in which the military escort was managed 
by Lieut. Colonel Foulk and his prompt aids. A military 
display at a funeral, when properly conducted by experienced 
and competent officers, constitutes a beautiful as well as 
solemn feature in the last sad rites of burial. That of Satur- 
day was all that could have been wished, and reflects credit on 
both officers and men. 

"Among the officers of the provost guard we noticed 
?^^-.Pf7'^' ^'"^^ ^"^ Griffith, and Lieuts. Graham, Carmon 
and Webb ; from Camp 'Reynolds,' Capts. Gruntz and Ell- 
wood, and Lieuts. Boyle, Duff, Sample and Vandegrift." 

The newspaper clippings relative to the arrangements of 
the funeral are most interesting. The petition to the Mayor 
met a ready response and all military organizations took 
prompt action. 

The Remains of General Hays. 

"The remains of Brigadier General Alexander Hays are 
expected to arrive in this city today [Friday] on the i -46 
tram from the east. Should they arrive at that time the 
funeral will take place on Saturday. The remains will be 

«3TT,itifi^i^^^^![ mi?^*T^^*®'* ^^'^^^' "°^ Federal: Girard House at 
Smithfield and Third Avenue, then headquarters Post of Pittsburgh 
hotel names changed to Central, afterwards the Griswold, razed In 



618 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



interred with appropriate military honors. It was the inten- 
tion of the Pittsburgh Battery to attend the funeral, but, 
unfortunately, there is not a single set of artillery harness 
in the arsenal, and the battery will be, consequently, unable 
to turn out. An infantry escort will attend and pay due re- 
spect to the rank and memory of the distinguished dead. 
The City Councils meet this evening, and we would suggest 
that they make arrangements to attend the funeral in a body. 
Such a mark of respect is due to the memory of one who had 
so nobly sustained the reputation of our city, and given his 
life in defense of the nation. 

General Hays' Funeral. 

All non-commissioned officers and privates at home on 
furlough, or ofif duty in this city, and all others having 
infantry uniforms, are requested to meet this morning at lo 
o'clock at the office of Colonel Foulk,^ third story of Wilkins 
Hall, for the purpose of making arrangements for partici- 
pating in the funeral ceremonies of the late General Hays, 
which will take place on Saturday. It is hoped that this 
request will be promptly complied with by every soldier. 

The City Councils of Pittsburgh held a special meeting 
the evening of May 13th, 1864. A resolution was passed at 
that meeting that the City Councils attend the funeral of 
Brigadier General Alexander Hays, lately killed in battle, and 
that the Mayor of the city, Hon. James Lowry, be solicited 
to accompany them. On motion Councils adjourned to meet 
Saturday afternoon. May 14th, at 2 o'clock, to attend the 
funeral. 
To His Honor, James Lowry, Jr., Mayor of the City of 

Pittsburgh : 

"The undersigned, in behalf of the mechanics, business 
men and others of the city of Pittsburgh, in view of the funeral 
obsequies of the lamented Brigadier General Hays, respect- 
fully desire that Your Honor will issue an order requesting 
that the various business houses in this city and vicinity be 
closed between the hours of i and 5 o'clock P. M. tomorrow 
[Saturday], in order that all may unite in pa3nng a last 
tribute to a brave and meritorious officer, whose virtues as a 
citizen of Pittsburgh we all highly esteemed, and whose 
bravery on the field of battle has won for him an imperish- 
able fame : 

Very respectfully, 

Your Fellow-Citizens. 

William McCully & Co. William McKnight Robert Arthurs 

William Bagaley J. McDonald Crossan Joseph S. Morrison 

Eaton, Macrum & Co. William C. McCarthy Jared M. Brush 

White, Orr & Co. William J. Moreland C. W. Batchelor 

"Pittsburgh, May 13, 1864." 

1 William L. Foulk was lieutenant colonel 46th Pennsylvania 
Volunteers. 



Honors to the Fallen 619 

"Mayor's Office, 

"Pittsburgh, May 13th, 1864. 
"To Messrs William McCully & Co.; William Bagaley: 
Eaton, Macrum & Co., and others : s / , 

"Gentlemen :— In compliance with your desire I hereby 
request that all the business houses in this city be closed at 
the time designated by you [Saturday, May 14, between the 
hours of I and 5 o'clock P. M.], and I trust that my fSlow! 
citizens will generally unite in doing honor to the memory of 
the gallant dead. ^ 

"Yours, most respectfully, 

"James Lowry, Jr., 

"Mayor." 

From Saturday's papers. May 14th, 1864: 

.K ''^".°^."^s ^n the service of the United States in or 
about this city are respectfully invited to attend the funeral 
?T I A i^^^r.^^"^'^^ Alexander Hays, U. S. V. [Captain 
u. b. A.J. Officers will please appear in full uniform. 

"Due notice of funeral will be given. 

Lieut. Colonel Foulk, 

U. S. V. [46th Penna. Vols.], 

Capt. W. J. Moorehead, 
" ' ■ ' 17th U. S. Infantry, 

Capt, John McClintock, 

Committee. 

"John McClintock, 
"Captain 14th U. S. Infantry, 

"Secretary." 

"The original and present members of Company D oth 
Regiment, P. R. V. C, now in the city and vicinity are re- 
quested to meet at the government barracks, First street this 
day, at 12 130 o'clock, to attend the funeral of Brigadier General 
Alexander Hays. 

"J. K. Barbour, 

"Captain." 

P Tj'T^^r^^'"'^'"^! ^"^ present members of the 9th Regiment, 
r. K. V. C, now in the city, are requested to meet at Wilkins 
Hall, this day, at i P. M., for the purpose of attending the 
funeral of General Hays. 

"J. S. Read, 
"ist Lieutenant and Adjutant." 



€20 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

"Battery A and Members of Other Batteries : 

"Members of Battery A and members — non-commis- 
sioned officers and privates — of other batteries, who may be 
in town, are requested to meet at Wilkins Hall, Fourth street, 
third story, at 7:30 o'clock this [Thursday] evening, for the 
purpose of making arrangements for attending the funeral of 
General Hays. 

"By request of the committee of arrangements. 

"J. M. Knap, 
"Late Capt. Knap's Pittsburgh Battery." 

"Scott Legion." 

Since the breaking out of the present war, that with 
Mexico has almost been lost sight of, and is only remembered 
when reading of the death, promotion or daring deeds of some 
gallant officer who won his first laurels in that sanguinary 
contest. A few years ago the survivors of the war with 
Mexico, in order to keep alive that proud feeling which should 
always exist between true and tried soldiers, organized the 
"Scott Legion" in this city, composed exclusively of those 
who had seen service in this war, numbering among its mem- 
bers such names as Major General James S. Negley, Brigadier 
General Alexander Hays, Brigadier General Thomas A. 
Rowley, Brigadier General Conrad F. Jackson, Colonel 
Samuel W. Black, Colonel O. H. Rippey, Colonel J. C. Hull, 
Colonel Robert Anderson, Colonel Isaac Wright, Capt. James 
T. Shannon, Capt. Robert Wilson, Capt. Charles H. Bryson. 
Major John Poland, Colonel Bart. Leeper, Lieut. Bruce 
Young, Colonel J. M. Kinkead, Capt. William Kennedy, Capt. 
William A. Charlton, Capt. Alfred McDonald, Capt. Alexander 
Hay and others. Upon the organization of this legion of war- 
worn veterans the late Brigadier General Hays was unani- 
mously elected its captain. Upon the breaking out of the 
present war nearly all the members of the "legion" rushed 
to the defense of their country, and are either yet in the army 
or, like their brave commander, fill soldiers' graves. Although 
the few surviving members of the "Scott Legion" now re- 
maining in the city did not turn out as a body to the funeral 
of their late commander, nearly all of them visited the church 
during Saturday, and took a last, sad, lingering look at their 
brother-in-arms in Mexico. 

"Solitary and Alone." 
Capt. John W. McCulley, a wounded Mexican soldier and 
member of the "Scott Legion," turned out on horseback in 
the funeral procession of the late General Hays. Finding that 
the few remaining members of the "legion" had made no 
arrangements to turn out as a body, the captain determined 
to attend, as one of its representatives, "solitary and alone." 



Honors to the Fallen 621 

Acknowledgment. 

The committee of arrangements for the funeral of the 
late Brigadier General Hays desire to return their thanks to 
Mr. W. B. Stout, superintendent of the Pittsburgh & Con- 
nellsville Railroad, for the prompt manner in which the de- 
tachment of United States troops were brought from Camp 
Reynolds to the city and returned for the purpose of partici- 
patmg m the ceremonies of the funeral. 

Tribute of Respect. 

During the passage of the funeral procession of the late 
General Hays by the Pennsylvania Military Hospital, on Sat- 
urday, every man who was able to hobble to the front of the 
buildmg came out and saluted the solemn cortage. Among 
the number were some who had shared the dangers and the 
hardships of the tented field with their beloved general. The 
scene was a touching one, and deserves to be recorded. 

At Half-Mast. 

The flags on the custom house, hospital and arsenal were 
at half-mast on Saturday in token of respect to the memory 
of General Alexander Hays. 

Camp Reynolds was at Braddock, Camp Howe in Linden 
Grove, Pittsburgh. The United States Military Hospital was 
the old West Penn Hospital, on the hillside at the head of 
Twenty-eighth street, overlooking Penn avenue, which was 
also known as the Greensburg pike in those days. The old 
hospital buildings were razed in 1913 and new buildings 
erected at Friendship avenue and Mathilda street. The Pitts- 
burgh & Connellsville Railroad since 1870 has been the Pitts- 
burgh division of the Baltimore & Ohio. 

Editorial tributes to the dead general in the Pittsburgh 
papers were both eloquent and touching. A few have been 
preserved, and in themselves alone are a fitting memoir. 

The first is from the ''Dispatch" of Monday, May 9, 
1864: 

General Alexander Hays. 

"We have been called upon during the continuance of this 
cruel war to note the death of many of Pennsylvania's gallant 
sons, who have laid their lives upon the altar of their country. 
It now becomes our mournful duty to add to the list of the 
patriotic dead a name of a Pennsylvanian and Pittsburgher 
who was when living recognized by his country as being 
among the first in the ranks of her most scientific as well as 
brave defenders. We refer to General Alexander Hays. He 
was killed on Thursday last 'while deploying his troops,' as 



622 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



the telegraph meagerly informs us. Of the particular circum- 
stances of his death we are at present uninformed — and fear 
that we shall be called upon to record the fall of many other 
brave spirits in the same engagement. General Hays was 
about forty-three years of age, and was born in Franklin, 
Venango county, Pa. His father, Hon. Samuel Hays, formerly 
member of Congress, and more recently marshal of the West- 
ern District of Pennsylvania, is still living at the advanced 
age of eighty years. At an early age General Hays left his 
father's house to reside with his brother-in-law. Judge Pear- 
son, at that time living in Mercer, but who has been for some 
years president judge of the Dauphin district in this state. 
General Hays entered West Point and graduated with honor- 
able mention some time previous to the breaking out of the 
Mexican War, through which he served with faithfulness and 
ardor. At the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma 
he distinguished himself with especial bravery, and secured 
high encomiums from his superior officers. He was also en- 
gaged under General Taylor at the Battle of Buena Vista.^ 
After the termination of the war he returned to this city, and, 
not relishing the monotonous life of a soldier in time of peace, 
resigned his commission in the regular army and adopted the 
profession of civil engineering and surveying in this city, and 
was for several years Recording Regulator of Allegheny City. 
When the Rebels 'fired on Sumter,' General Hays was 
tendered the command of the City Guards for the three 
months' service, and on the 22nd of April, 1861, was elected 
major of the First Regiment, organized in this city under the 
President's call, old 12th, and returned with it on the expira- 
tion of its term of service, when he immediately set about 
organizing the 63rd Regiment, at the head of which he 
marched to the Army of the Potomac, and participated with 
that fighting regiment in all the important battles that took 
place during the various campaigns in Virginia, and upon two 
occasions was severely wounded. As a tribute to his skill and 
bravery on the field he was appointed a brigadier general on 
the 26th of September, 1862, and remained in active service in 
the field till the day on which he received his death wound. 
General Hays married a daughter of John B. McFadden, 
Esq., who, with several children, survive to mourn his loss. 

"General Hays had a very large circle of friends to whom 
he was endeared by his honorable conduct and genial social 
qualities. In the army he was known as a rigid disciplinarian, 
and was loved for his Kearney-like dash and indomitable 
bravery. Some of his friends went east yesterday for the 
purpose of recovering his body. If successful, due notice of 
his funeral will be given." 

1 An erroneous statement. 



Honors to the Fallen 623 

The following is from the Pittsburgh "Evening Chron- 
icle" of May 8, 1864 : 

The Death of General Hays. 

"The saddest feature of the late battle news is the un- 
timely death of our gallant townsman, General Alexander 
Hays — as heroic a spirit and as dauntless an officer as has yet 
borne arms in behalf of the Union. The particulars of his 
death have not yet been received, nor is it yet known whether 
his body has been recovered, although, since we are now in 
undisputed possession of the ground where he fell, this is 
probable. As everyone would expect, he died at the front, 
doing his whole duty manfully, encouraging and pushing for- 
ward his men. It is scarcely necessary in this city, where he 
is so well known, to recount the features of his history. All 
are familiar with it. Our citizens since, at the very outbreak 
of the war he led his gallant little band from this city, have 
watched his course with pride. His services have been con- 
stant, numerous and valuable. Always at his post — the post 
of greatest danger — and ever ready to grapple with the enemy, 
he was an officer who may be said to have been terribly in 
earnest. Had our leaders been more like him — had they all 
been as brave and skillful and spirited as he ; as anxious to 
administer telling blows to the enemies of their country, and 
as hard and desperate fighters, the rebellion would have been 
long since over. The whole military career of General Hays 
has been a most brilliant one. He had been in many very 
hard-fought battles, and always in the very front of the fight 
— wherever the greatest danger was to be found or foes to be 
encountered. His loss to the service will be almost irre- 
parable. Our whole community will mourn him. He was 
our pride and joy. Had he survived this battle he would 
doubtless have been promoted to a major generalship. The 
general married a daughter of John B. McFadden, and leaves 
a disconsolate widow and a large family of children to mourn 
their loss. They have the heartfelt sympathy of the whole 
community. We leave to other pens to pay a more fitting 
tribute to his services. 

"Since the above was written, we learn that a dispatch 
has been received from Washington, to the eflfect that Secre- 
tary Stanton says that the body had been recovered, and 
would be in Washington today. General Hays had command 
of eleven full regiments, almost a division." 



624 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

The Pittsburgh "Commercial" published the following 
communication in its issue of May g, 1864: 

Death of General Hays. 

"Another hero has fallen ! Another gallant spirit has 
gone to the company of patriots and heroes ! General Alex- 
ander Hays, one of the bravest of the brave, is no more ! He 
died a soldier's death, leading his division in Thursday's 
battle. To say that his death has cast a gloom over this com- 
munity is but a faint statement of the fact. As his name is 
mentioned, the sigh and the tear manifest the admiration and 
attachment won by this noble soldier from all hearts. We 
will not attempt to write at this moment a biography of Hays. 
He was educated at West Point, entered the army, distin- 
guished himself in nearly every battle in Mexico, taking with 
his own hands the first gun from the enemy at Palo Alto. On 
the return of peace he retired from the army. On the out- 
break of the present rebellion he raised a regiment here [the 
63rd], which he commanded till he was promoted to the rank 
of brigadier general. It is a simple act of justice to say that 
no regimental, brigade or division commander during this war 
has won higher distinction than Hays. Wherever heroic dar- 
ing or desperate fighting was wanted, there Hays was to be 
found. In this characteristic his only parallel probably was 
the lamented Kearney. Sternly resolute and chivalrously bold 
in action, he was unpretending and difiident of his great abili- 
ties among his friends and fellow-citizens. Only those who 
knew the true metal that lay deep beneath the surface of his 
character could appreciate its great intrinsic value. He be- 
lieved, and always said and wrote to his friends that this ac- 
cursed rebellion could only be put down by hard blows; and 
whenever Hays struck, the blow was earnest and terrible. 
He had great confidence in Grant, and, knowing the character 
of his old friend and companion in arms, he anticipated pre- 
cisely such a battle as that in which he fell. In a recent letter 
to a relative he seemed to have a presentiment, if not of his 
death, at least of the gigantic battles which are now closing 
the drama of this war. Anticipating the collision of the 
mighty armies of Grant and Lee, he repeated the line of the 
Scottish seer: 

" 'A field of the dead rushes red in my sight!' 

"Time allowed him to lead his division into the first great 
battle of the series, to fight as he habitually fought, and to seal 
his devotion to his country with his blood. 

"We would end our slight sketch of the character of our 
lamented Hays here, but a thought comes over us, and we 



Honors to the Fallen ^25 

must give it utterance The Great Victory we think is at 
hand, and amidst general congratulations and shouts there will 
be in many hearths anguish and sorrow. Hays has died like 
a hero, as he was doubtless with a smile upon his lips; but 
she the mother of his children, and his orphaned little ines 
will suffer in silence, treasuring only in memory their buried 
joys. We will dare to intrude upon those grief-stricken ones 
to say, that though they have lost a husband and father the 
nation has gathered to its galaxy a hero. The name of Alex- 
ander Hays is 

Freedom's now and Fame's — 



One of the few immortal names 
That were not born to die." 

Many more could be reproduced, all tender in tone and 
deeply sorrowful. In Western New York, from whence had 
come two splendid regiments of Hays' old brigade, and in 
Troy another, there was sorrow, also, for a brave man gone, 
the former leader of as true American soldiers as ever loved 
the flag. 



CHAPTER XX. 

ALEXANDER HAYS IN STORY AND SONG 

IT CAN be readily believed that so inspiring and deserving 
a character as Alexander Hays would live in song and 
story, and it is even so. His name has also been per- 
petuated in the designation of fort, city and street, Grand 
Army posts and other lodge names. The United States early 
designated a frontier post Fort Hays,^ since grown into a 
bustling Kansas city. Pittsburgh has its Hays street in the 
beautiful East End district, and General Alexander Hays 
Post No. 3, G. A. R., of the same city, was once one of the 
largest and most influential in the Department of Pennsyl- 
vania. The G. A. R. Post at Penn Yan, N. Y., is also named 
in honor of the general. Penn Yan is in Yates county, which 
furnished several companies of that most excellent regiment, 
the 126th New York Volunteers. Then there is General Alex- 
ander Hays Council, Junior Order United American 
Mechanics; General Alexander Hays Commandery No. 35, 
Knights of the Golden Eagle, of Pittsburgh, and General 
Hays Council, United American Mechanics, of Pittsburgh. 

It is hardly necessary to state that all standard histories 
of the Civil War speak at length of General Alexander Hays 
and his several commands, and such matter is far too volum- 
inous to reproduce here. 

In the aggressive soldier and fallen brave, poets have ever 
found inspiration. General Alexander Hays' fame has been 
maintained in some very good verses written by those who 
knew him well and hence loved him. There were, of course, 
occasions where these verses were appropriate, notably the 
monument dedications, and they breathe the spirit of the 
events with which they are in keeping. 

1 There was also Fort Alexander Hays in the line of investment 
of Petersburg, 1864-65. The Kansas fort is described in position as 
located on the "forks of Big Creek, about four miles from its mouth, 
on Smoky Hill River, fifty-two miles west of Fort Ellsworth [for- 
merly Camp Fletcher"], now Hays City, 

626 



Alexander Hays in Story and Song 627 

Honor to the Brave. ^ 

New York, May i8, 1864. 
The 'Times' " Washington dispatch states four military 
posts m the Northwest have been named in honor of Generals 
Wadsworth, Rice, Stevenson and Alexander Hays. ^ 

One of the earliest poems in the dead general's honor was 
published soon after his death and reads well, and is the 
tribute of a sincere friend : 

GENERAL ALEXANDER HAYS 

By John K. Holmes.s 

When brave men for their country fall, 

And shed their blood in her defense. 
One thought should harmonize us all. 

To give them fame as recompense. 
Their spirits, free from earthly chains. 

Spread broad and free in realms above; 
And all that in this life remains 

Is but their names to breath and love. 

One here, lately stricken low, 

Has drawn this tribute in his praise; 
My friend he was, long years ago, 

I mean the brave, undaunted Hays. 
He fell, with many true that day, 

Where thousands fought and ceased to be, 
But on the ground where heroes lay, 

No braver soldier died than he. 

Oh, country! can you soon forget 

The love towards these men you owe? 
Gather their names, and have them set. 

In marble ages can't o'erthrow. 
There cluster'd, they'll be like a star 

To guide a glorious future age; 
And hosts shall come from near and far 

To prize their deathless heritage. 



1864. 



1 Associate Press item. 

2 Generals James S. Wadsworth, James C. Rice and Thomas G 
Stevenson— all killed the same week as General Hays. ^"°™*^ ^• 

3 John K. Holmes was a prominent citizen of Pittsburgh and 
brother of Nathaniel Holmes, the banker. John K. Holmes' residence 
was on Penn street, directly opposite the McFadden home He was 
a freshman at Allegheny College when Alexander Hays was a junTor 
XS^il'inr^nr ""''' °^^^' ^"^ "°^»^'« '^ -»^' - -coin°Tf 



628 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



RELIEVED 

By Caroline A. Mason. i 

General Alexander Hays, commanding the Second Brigade 
of Birney's Division, was killed. He was hard pressed, and 
sent word to Hancock that he must have reinforcements. 
"Tell him," said Hancock, "to hold his ground twenty minutes 
and he shall be reheved ;" but before twenty minutes expired 
his body was brought in. — Carleton, in Boston Journal, 
May 5th. 

Above, a sea of smoky, dun-colored clouds; below, 
A thousand upturmed faces, fiery and dark, of the foe; 

A leaden rain of bullets descending, and here and there 

A shell, like a shrieking demon, hot-hissing through the air; 

A flash of sabres incessant — shaming the murky sun; 

A lull in the dreadful pageant — one hero's work is done! 

Bear him away, soldiers, gallant and weeping men! 

He will never lead you to battle, nor straighten your ranks again. 

But, oh! did you hear him imploring that single, desperate 

boon? — 
"Relief! Relief! God send that it reach us, and reach us soon!" 

Ay, sooner than he had hoped for! sooner, and not the same. 
The succor he asked! Men call it by another and darker name. 

But above, in the many mansions, where God and the angels 

dwell. 
Far over the shock of cannon, the tumult of shot and shell. 

That desperate cry found hearing, and the bright hosts held their 

breath, 
While silently passed from out them the angel whom we call 

Death! 

And tenderly as a mother folds her first-born to her breast. 
And rocks him into his slumbers, so passed he to his rest. 

"Relieved!" No strong battalions, no ranks of armed men 
Hot-hurrying to the rescue with fiery zeal; what then? 

"And thinkest thou not," said Jesus, "I could pray to my Father 

in heaven. 
And presently he would send me twelve legions of angels even?" 

And thinkest thou then, O doubter, this cry of a human soul 
Was lost to the Infinite Father, missing its human goal? 

O ear of the Highest! bending wherever Thy heroes call 
For succor, divine or human. Thy mercy is over all! 

For some the answering legions; for others a harder fate; 
To stand in their lot, and having done all, to stand and wait. 

Yet truly it little matters; no choice a brave heart knows 

But this: "Or living or dying, my face to my country's foes!" 

— Anti-Slavery Standard. 
1 Reprinted in "Littell's Living Age," August 6, 1864. 



Alexander Hays in Story and Song 629 

IN MEMORIAM— GENERAL ALEXANDER HAYS 

By a Friend. 1 

Bright Spring leaps forth on the mountain's side 
And beauty gleams from the blossom'd field- ' 

Yet our hearts with grief swell like the tide, ' 
As our hero comes home on his shield. 

Lay him at rest in the greenest spot, 

'Neath the shade of the loveliest trees, 

Where the robin's song is soonest caught 

When th' rays of the morn kiss the incensed breeze. 

Lay him at rest in his warrior's shroud, 

With the flag he loved in mourning drest 

With roll of drum, and the trumpet loud, 

And memories sad, but ever blest! 

Gently lower his coffin, dark and drear! 

Let the clay fall softly, slowly down' 
What would ye more than a nation's tear 

To rob his grave of its ghostly frown? 

"For God and My Country," was his cry. 

As the Rebel shot came thick and fast- 
And for his country, 'twas sweet to die 

Like the heroes of the glorious past.' 

^'^A^^^l^,® °^^^^ ^^*^^ co°^6s at his vacant home. 

And the widow's and the orphan's prayer 
Ascends perfumed the sapphire dome, 

His spirit, we pray, will bless them there. 

1 Likely from a Pittsburgh paper. 



630 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

The late Colonel Edwin Brown Houghton^ of the 17th 
Maine Volunteers, and a former member of General Hays' 
staff, is the author of these verses, reproduced from the 
"History of the 63rd Regiment," to which they were con- 
tributed : 

AT THE GRAVE OF GENERAL HAYS 

Edwin B. Houghton. 

I stood today beside the tomb 

Where sleeps a friend of other days, 
And read upon the sculptured stone, 

The name of Alexander Hays. 

Thereon was grouped in grand array 

Those martial emblems which suggest 
The pomp and pageantry of war. 

And thrill the patriot soldier's breast. 

On either side, a long array 

Of battles fought and victories won, 
In which the bravest of the brave 

Was Pennsylvania's noble son. 

While with uncovered head I stood, 

And bent with reverential awe, 
I only thought of Alexander Hays, 

And not the record of the war. 

I thought not of the chief today, 

Nor of the sword he once did wield. 
His stern, firm voice so often heard 

Upon the bloody battlefield. 

I only thought of him as friend, 

His genial, gentle, pleasant ways. 
Which shed a gleam of gladness on 

Whoever spoke with Alexander Hays. 

Once more methought I stood with him. 

Apart from battle's wild turmoil, 
And grasped again his honest hand, 

On Old Virginia's sacred soil. 

I thought of when I saw him last, 

Beneath the sunny Southern skies. 
Where rolls the bloody Rapidan, 

And the grand old Blue Mountains rise. 

Peace to his ashes — let him rest, 

Type of true soldier, and true friend. 
And let his memory cherished be. 

And honored until time shall end. 

1 Colonel Houghton served as A. A. Inspector General on Gen- 
eral Hays' staff in the fall of 1863, and later, on the reorganization 
of the army, was transferred to the staff of General J. H. Hobart 
Ward. Colonel Houghton was subsequently lieutenant colonel of the 
17th Maine Volunteers. 



Alexander Hays in Story and Song 631 



This poem was originally read at the dedication of the 
Hays monument in the Wilderness, Virginia, June 3, 1905. 
Its author is Dr. Thomas Calver of Washington, D. C. : 

HAYS 

"His Motto in Battle Was Always, 'Come, Boys,' and Never 'Go.' "— 
General U. S. Grant. 

A Stirring Poem. 

The Rappahannock glides its way- 
Through wood and meadow flowing — 

Past Spottsylvania's lovely shades, 

And flowery banks and sunlit glades 
Just as it did upon the day 
When foes were swiftly going, 

To face each other on the field 

Where hearts to war's grim fate are steeled, 
And brave men die, but never yield; 

And from the front, where bullets sang, 

A voice in trumpet tones loud rang: 
"Come, boys!" 

One line was blue and one was gray, 
And there they faced each other. 

And sped the storm of shot and shell. 

With all the hate of hosts of hell. 
At whom? Who in that cloud could tell? 
A father, son, or brother? 

Pull many each to each endeared, 

The death shot to each other cheered, 
While rang the war cry, harsh and weird; 

But no heart there to love more prone, 

Than his who cried in clarion tone: 
"Come, boys!" 

No wail for him of beating hearts. 
Between him and the foeman; 

No breastwork built of walls of flesh, 

Of forms and faces young and fresh. 
As soon would he avoid the darts 
Behind the breast of woman. 

Those dear boys — should he bid them go, 

To face the stern, death-dealing foe. 
And catch the force of angry blow. 

While he in safety rode behind? 

Not he! His voice in front they find: 
"Come, boys!" 

In front of brave hearts clad in blue, 
There rode the chieftain fearless; 

The hair his head and face upon 

In glint of sun a moment shone. 
As ray upon the diamond true, 
Proclaims the jewel, peerless; 

And where that gleam of bright, brown hair 

Was seen, the ready boys were there, 
With smiles upon their faces fair; 

And shouts rang bravely when they heard 

The well-loved voice in cheering word: 
"Come, boys!" 



632 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



The stern lines met in clashing might 
And shot and shell were screaming; 

The brave boys fell on either side, 

And blood ran like an April tide; 
While in the thickest of the fight, 
The bright, brown hair was gleaming. 

Then he who led the blue's advance, 

With hearty word and radiant glance. 

Fell, like an eagle from the sky — 

And never more was heard the cry: 
"Come, boys!" 

A heart like his can never die; 
It lives and beats forever. 

And speeds its word to heroes true. 

As his to those brave boys in blue. 
Far from its sound shall baseness fly 
And love forget it never! 

Through all our country's doubtful days 

Shall ring, to guide through cloud and maze, 

The words of Alexander Hays, 

That cheered the blue lines in the fray, 

And echoed down the lines of gray: 
"Come, boys!" 

And sweet, sad echoes of that call 
Are ringing now, in seeming, 

And seem to say to blue and gray — 

The boys who fought so well that day — 
And seem upon our ears to fall. 
Within this pleasant dreaming. 

"Come, brothers! You who fought so well! 

Your true love for each other tell! 

And never more the awful knell 

Of anguish to dear fond hearts bring; 

But let joy's song triumphant ring!" 
"Come, boys!" 

— Thomas Calver. 



Alexander Hays in Story and Song 633 



This one is the thoughts of a "63rd" boy, and it is sincere 
and heartfelt : 

ALEXANDER HAYS 

By Peter Keil, Jr., Company B, 63rd Regiment, 
Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

Closed his eyes, his work is done. 

Here our chieftain lies at rest; 
Ne'er again shall drum or gun 

Wake him from his slumber blest. 

Stilled the pulsings of his heart; 

Stilled the voice we loved so well; 
Bravely hath he borne his part, 

Pace to foe, he bravely fell. 

Flag of Freedom! O'er him wave! 

Flag for which his blood he shed; 
Flag he gave his life to save. 

Plant it o'er our hero dead. 

This poem was first read at the dedication of the new 
monument to General Alexander Hays in the Allegheny 
Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Memorial Day, 1901. 

Peter Keil, Jr., is also the author of the 63rd's song, "The 
Bully Old Sixty-third," sung at the reunions of the regiment 
and dedicated to the general's eldest daughter, Mrs. Gormly, 
now deceased. 

Peter Keil was the boy drummer of his company, and 
answered the last roll-call November 27, 1905. 

Soon after the war closed the "Evening Chronicle" of 
Pittsburgh published a series of articles captioned as below, 
and under date July 17th, 1865, appeared the following, some 
of which is repetition, but showing that war history was still 
a matter of great public interest : 



PITTSBURGH IN THE WAR^GENERAL ALEXANDER HAYS 

"In various parts of our country, with a generous and 
creditable rivalry, the claims of brave men living and dead to 
public honor and eternal fame are being agitated by the locali- 
ties where they were born or lived. It is a noble pride in the 
reputation of gallant spirits immortalized by those deeds which 
men delight to remember, deeds which electrify the popular 
heart, and emancipate it from sordid thoughts and aims. It 
is a fitting time, now that the smoke of the great conflict has 
just faded away, to advert to the share our own daring and 
patriotic men from Pittsburgh have had in that mighty 
struggle between armed treason and the strength of the 
Union. Then we can consign them to the memories of their 



634 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



immediate friends and relatives, and to the impartial suf- 
frage of history. First in the shining catalogue we approach 
with unbounded esteem the heroic — the deceased Brigadier 
General Alexander Hays. He was the son of General Samuel 
Hays of Venango county, Pennsylvania, and was born in the 
year 1819. He graduated at West Point with Lieut. General 
Grant, and other notable officers, in 1844;^ was attached to 
the Fourth Infantry, United States Army, a brevet second 
lieutenant, on the ist of July in the same year, and was trans- 
ferred to the Eighth Infantry, with the rank of first lieuten- 
ant, for gallant conduct on the fields of Palo Alto and Resaca 
de la Palma. He served most creditably with General 'Joe' 
Lane in his operations in Central Northern Mexico, and as an 
old number of the United States Service Magazine once re- 
marked, 'Made a military reputation for his chief which after- 
wards sent him to the United States Senate from Oregon.' 

"General Hays resigned his commission on the 12th of 
April, 1848, and turned his attention to civil engineering until 
the breaking out of the Civil War, when, with his accustomed 
impetuosity, he at once entered the ranks of war, first at the 
head of the Pittsburgh City Guards, then as major of the old 
I2th Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment, and then as colonel 
of the famous 63rd Pennsylvania Regiment, which he organ- 
ized and carried through the storm and carnage of Yorktown, 
Williamsburg, Seven Pines, Fair Oaks, Gaines' Mills, W^hite 
Oak Swamp and Groveton. The men and officers of this regi- 
ment abound with stirring anecdotes of their intrepid and 
beloved colonel. They never weary of describing his mingled 
firmness and generosity. His success in dealing with malcon- 
tent soldiers. His assiduous care for their comfort. His 
zealous pride in their soldierly reputation. They delight to 
tell how the knightly Kearney embraced Hays upon a hard- 
fought battlefield, glorified the grand charge which he had 
made and ordered surrounding regiments to do honor to his 
men as they passed by, almost 'dancing upon air' with elation, 
for this was truly the 'Laudari a laudato' which comes so 
rarely in this life, and which is the highest prize of signal 
merit. The members of his staff who were most intimate 
with him bear witness to his scholarly tastes, his love and 
memory for the superior order of poetry, his unfailing humor 
and his exhuberance of animal life. He was an earnest living 
man, a natural born soldier, and a person who would make 
his mark deep and broad, no matter in what sphere he engaged. 

"On the 29th of September, 1862, Colonel Hays received 
the star of a brigadier general of volunteers, and was ap- 
pointed likewise a lieutenant colonel in the regular army. 
That star never shone where it more fitly deserve^l to shine, 



1 Error — Grant in Class of 1843. 



Alexander Hays in Story and Song ^35 

and its lustre in the deadliest hour of conflict was like the 
gleam of the bright plume which told where Henry of Navarre 
rode to victory or death. At Gettysburg, General Hays, com- 
manding the Third Division of the Second Army Corps was 
opposed to General A. P. Hill, General Pickett and others of 
his old West Point classmates and Mexican W^ar comrades. 
1 he Rebels made a desperate effort to force his lines, thinkin- 
It was the weakest part of our entire army. They made a 
furious charge in force, and their success would have ruined 
Aleade, but they were repulsed, with terrific slaughter, and 
this event has been well styled the decisive episode of that 
memorable battle which sealed the fate of the rebellion We 
are indebted to a soldier who was in that contest for the fol- 
lowing interesting reminiscence: 

"7ust as the last and greatest effort to pierce our lines 
made by Longstreet s Corps against the Third and Second 
Divisions of the Second Corps, had been repulsed General 
Hays and the two remaining members of his staff each took 
one of the numerous flags just captured from the enemy and 
etting them trail in the dust behind them, rode in the rear 
from the left to the right of his command, and, turning around 
the right of the division, rode down in front to the kft of it 
amid the deafening cheers and yells, and tossing caps of our 
men, and quite a spirited and spiteful fire of artillery and mus- 
ketry from the chagrined and discomfited enemy, who onlv a 
few minutes before, had so confidently expected to wave those 
very colors triumphantly over us. vvci\einose 

"The twelve regiments composing General Havs' D^.; 
sion the Third of the Second Corps] captured f?on,th'e enemy 
two housand six hundred prisoners and twenty-one s"ands 
of colors, for seventeen of which they received receipts from 
the War Department. The other four were surreptitiouslv 

th^'\^HT '^'^ f' "'^'" '^' ^^"^^^''^ headquarter^ whet 
they had been left unguarded, as it was supposed no United 
States soldier would degrade himself by stealing such an un 

TonTAh"% ^Tr' ''''^'' ^— -"ding the^Second d" - 
sion of the Second Corps, was complaining to General Havs 
of one o his Hays'] men taking a Rebel fl!g which by rfg^ 
belonged to Webb. Pointing to the pile, H?vs said: -Qh if 
that IS all you want, just help yourself, and then I will have 
after washing them, enough to make into writing paper to 
do my division during the war." General W^ebb after look- 
ing over the ground occupied by General Hays' during the 
ba tie, remarked to the latter, "General, you had not half as 
hot a time as I had. General Armistead and some twenty 
more Rebels were killed inside my lines." "Yes Webb I 
know they were, but my men killed their Rebels in front 'of 



636 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"We regret that we are curtailed by our limited space 
from detailing the little personal incidents which in connec- 
tion with this wonderful struggle at Gettysburg shed so much 
lustre upon the character of General Hays, but we are com- 
pelled to forbear. As our readers have probably never seen 
General Hays' report of the battle, we think it but fair to give 
it as an interesting contribution to the history of the age. 

"General Hays fought subsequently at the battles of 
Antietam,^ Bristoe Station, Locust Grove and Morton's Grove, 
and fell in the Wilderness on Thursday, the 5th of May, 1864, 
shot through the head, while in advance of the column, with 
his face to the foe. It is needless to recall the shock which 
this intelligence gave our citizens. The mourning was 
universal and of unusual depth and solemnity. The public 
could hardly realize that the imposing form of the chivalrous 
soldier would no longer be seen or lost in the mazes of battle, 
that the clarion voice would no longer be heard ringing over 
the field, or the tender smile or tear glisten in that kindly face 
when the hard day's work was over. But it was willed that 
the high-spirited and thorough soldier should 'die with harness 
on.' It would have been the death of his own choice, and he 
met the pale phantom with the light of battle in his face and 
the glow of a noble devotion to his country and her flag in 
his heart, and it may be said of him as 'Ben' Johnson said in 
quaint old English, if we may slightly vary the phraseology : 

" 'Death ere thou hast ta'en another 
Good and brave and staunch as he, 
Time will throw his dart at thee!' 

"The soldiers of his old command are about to erect a 
beautiful and appropriate monument over his grave in our 
cemetery, and thus fitly seal their regard by the last tribute 
which affection can pay. It is to be surmounted by an eagle, 
true symbol of the dauntless spirit of him who rests below, 
and upon the shaft are devices, guns enwreathed with the 
national flag, which will speak with stirring eloquence of the 
slumbering hero to whom the voice of musketry was kindling 
music, and the vision of the scarred standard of the republic 
a thing of beauty and worship forever. And now, oh noble 
sleeper, rest in holy peace after the fever and toil of a life 
grandly consecrated to the land which gave thee birth, and 
whose honors thou hast so well earned and so heroically 
repaid!" 

General Hays was not at Antietam; then wounded and in hos- 
pital. "Antietam" should be Auburn and, "Martin's Grove," Mor- 
ton's Ford. 



Alexander Hays in Story and Song 637 

In the Pittsburgh "Evening Chronicle" of May 5 1870 
the anniversary of the general's death, there appeared the 
editorial below: 

GENERAL ALEXANDER HAYS 

h.J'^'^'f ^t^^^^f.?? ^"""^^y General Alexander Hays fell in the 
ba tie of the Wilderness. In this beautiful season when all 
nature is reviving with new life and the whole na i^ is re 
joicing under the auspices of peace, disturbed ndther by 
domestic convulsion or foreign menaces, it is fitting that we 
should give a passing moment s reflection to those ealla^t 
and heroic men who shed so much lustre upon our arms and 
who gave life Itself that we might today exult in the posses- 
sion of an unbroken union from ocean [o ocean We areTn 

by M?s Ara\XV wt' ''''''''''' Struggle^^^nd Triumph? 
York Volnnt. M Wilson, giving a history of the 126th New 

of a slldi " whn' "^P '^ P'r " ^^°^^"^ ^"^^^^^ t° the memory 
ot a soldier whom Pennsylvania must ever hold in profound 
and precious remembrance. We regret that our space wHl 
only permit us to quote the following: 

T..C 'V"^'^-?."?^ "^f ^ t^'"^" ^'"O"'' the bloody field of the Wilder- 

The^Ma^or .t;T'' "'f"' ^'^ "'^°^^ ^^^^ mourned his los. 
1 he Mayor and Council attended the funeral in a body and 

fo^m'd^lTar'if^"^' '^u"^"^ *^^°--^ citizens!' pTr 
Alexander Havs'^'^t^^ '° the earthly remains of General 

/uexander Hays; but his memory is cherished not only bv his 
bereaved family, but by the tens of thousands of citizens who 

hadlarned'toT"'".^^ °^. ^'l°^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^"^^ sildTer^^ns! 
his braverv ffl "^^ ^'"^ ^^J ^l' "°^^^ ^"^^^ies as a man, and 
his bravery, efficiency and skill as an officer He alwavs 
seemed to win the confidence and admiration of the men 
under his command. It is said while a colonel under Kearney 

cha :' d.at T'^'T- t'l" ^"^^^ ^^"^"^^^ -^ success n I 
Charge that the Knightly Kearney" embraced Hays on the 
field, glorified the grand charge which he had niade and 

mtcheVbr^r'"f ^^T"""^^ ^° ^° h°"- to his m"n as they 
marched by, almost "dancing in the air" with elation He 

well knew how to take advantage of the occasion io develop 
the martial spirit of his command.' " ueveiop 



638 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

When General John F. Hartranft was commander-in- 
chief of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, he honored the 
memory of General Hays in a signal manner, as the letters 
below indicate : 

CAMP ALEXANDER HAYS 

"The camp has been appropriately named after General 
Alexander Hays, as the following communication and reply 
will show : 

"Division Headquarters, 
"National Guard of Pennsylvania, 

"Philadelphia, July 28, 1880. 

"Mrs. General Alexander Hays, 
"Pittsburgh : 

"Madam : — Major General Hartranft desires to convey 
to you the information that the encampment of the National 
Guard of Pennsylvania, to be held at Thompson's Station,* 
near Braddock, during the week commencing September 7th, 
will be named 'Camp Alexander Hays,' the brave soldier from 
Western Pennsylvania who bore so gallant and conspicuous 
a part in the late war. The camp is thus named to testify 
the respect of the National Guard for the memory of one 
whose early stand for the Union and unfaltering devotion 
to her cause until the day of his death, and a fit example all 
owe as citizens of this great Republic under which we live, 
and the recollection of whose valor and service is among the 
best incentives to young and patriotic soldiers. 

"Yours, very respectfully, 

"G. H. North, 

"Assistant Adjutant General." 



1 Thompson Station was about opposite Port Perry, above Brad- 
Qock; the railroad now the Monongahela division of the P. R. R. 



Alexander Hays in Story and Song 639 

"Sewickley, Pa., July 30, 1880. 
"Major General Hartranft: 

"Dear Sir:— Permit me to thank you for your courtesy 
m sendmg me the information regarding the naming of 'Camp 
Alexander Hays,' as well as for the respect shown the memory 
of one so near and dear to me, and whose most precious 
legacy was the fame he bought at so great a price. 

"With respect, 

"Mrs. Alexander Hays." 

The daily press stated the Pittsburgh, Virginia & 
Charleston Railroad had trains running to and from the camp 
grounds almost every hour of the day, making the camp easy 
of access to visiting citizens.^ 

1 Letters and statements relative, published at the time and re- 
produced here from a clipping. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

MONUMENTS 

FOR all time enduring monument, in the way of the 
world, goes hand in hand with lasting fame, not that 
fame may sink away in oblivion in the on-rolling 
years, but that so to commemorate has come down the ages 
and still obtains. General Alexander Hays' memorable life 
and military services are disclosed to succeeding generations 
by more than one memorial shaft. To enumerate these are 
the Victory monument at West Point; the soldiers' monu- 
ment at Franklin, Pa.; the General Hays monument in the 
Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburgh ; the monument in the Wil- 
derness ; the Pennsylvania memorial at Gettysburg, and the 
Alexander Hays monument at Gettysburg, erected by the 
State of Pennsylvania in 1916. 

It will indeed be a sorry day for the men of arms, the 
heroes of the battle line, and the fallen in the fierce charge, 
or in the holding of the hard-pressed line, the soldier in 
victory or defeat, if there were not held out to them the hope 
of immortality in the ever-to-be-remembered glory of soldiery 
deeds and valiant achievements, and there should ever depart 
the recollection of a heroic death. Hence monuments and 
remembrances, and hence Alexander Hays speaks to the 
generations now and to come. 

A newspaper contemporary said a suitable and striking 
monument to their slain commander was early determined 
upon by the soldiers of the 63rd Pennsylvania Regiment. The 
preliminary steps were taken immediately after the general's 
burial. It was agreed that the monument should be at his 
grave, and a liberal response came from the officers and men 
he had so gallantly led. In 1866 the monument was com- 
pleted. The Allegheny Cemetery donated the lot upon which 
the monument was erected, and the cannons which sur- 
rounded the monument were presented by the United States 
government. 

640 



Monuments (41 



Our Gallant Dead. 

" 'A monument to General Alexander Hays has been 
erected in the Allegheny Cemetery.' This simple announce- 
ment conveys not the slightest intimation as to who erected 
the monument, its character, design or architectural excel- 
lencies, and the reader is even left to grope his way to find 
out who it is that sleeps beneath the monument referred to. 
And yet, perhaps, the writer of the brief paragraph quoted 
was right, and the mere mention of the name of the gallant, 
dashing, invincible General Alexander Hays is sufficient to 
call forth the admiration of every brave Union-loving heart 
in the land. No more gallant spirit passed away amid the 
battle's roar than that encased within the mortal frame of 
General Alexander Hays, nor should the memory of any 
soldier who fell in the rebellion be more hallowed, or have a 
prouder monument than the hero of two wars — a hero who 
shed his blood in one and gave his life in the other. Yes, 
there is a monument erected to General Hays in the cemetery, 
and his name and fame are engraven upon the hearts of all 
his brave companions in arms, and tens of thousands of his 
admiring countrymen." — Pittsburgh Republic, April 20, 1866. 

Another contemporary newspaper account of the first 
Alexander Hays monument is as follows : 

Brigadier General Alexander Hays. 

"One of the noblest and bravest, as well as one of the 
first men who went forth in the late struggle to do battle for 
his country and her flag, was he who forms the caption of this 
article. Brave to a fault, generous even to excess, he was 
one of the many of our citizen soldiery whose names shall 
descent to posterity, woven in wreaths of laurel, and adorned 
with the bright foliage of the bay. 

"It is with pleasant — though at the same time painful — 
privilege to this morning again call the attention of our read- 
ers to the beautiful monument erected to the memory of 
General Hays in the Allegheny Cemetery. Just one year ago 
we published a description of it in the 'Post,' from which we 
this morning take the following: 

"This monument is built of Albert freestone brought 
from Nova Scotia, and is fifteen feet high by five feet seven 
inches and five feet wide at the base. The base consists of 
two parts — the first and the second base. The first base is 
five feet seven inches by five feet, and is two feet six inches 
in height. The second base, resting on the first, is four feet 
seven inches by four feet, and is one foot six inches in height. 



642 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



On the front surface of this base are inscribed the following 
beautiful lines : 

" 'On Fame's eternal camping grounds 
His silent tent is spread, 
And Glory guards, with solemn round, 
The bivouac of the dead.' 

"Resting on this second base stands the die of the monu- 
ment, a massive piece of stone three feet seven inches by- 
three feet, and having a height of four feet seven inches. The 
front surface of this die bears a raised panel, and on this panel 
is the memorial inscription : 

" 'General Alexander Hays, 

Killed at the Battle of the Wilderness, 

May 5th, 1864. 

Born July 8th, 1819. 

This Monument Was Erected by the Soldiers of His Command.' 

"Surmounting this panel are various military and 
patriotic insignia, consisting of a national shield, on the field 
of which are displayed the badges of the various army corps. 
Crossed before this shield are two cannon, and these and the 
shield are draped by beautifully executed American flags. In 
connection with these are a drum, a sword, a bugle, muskets 
and cannon-balls. On one side of the panel of this die are 
engraved the names of seventeen battles of the Mexican War 
in which General Hays took part, and the other side of the 
panel are are sixteen battles of the rebellion in which he was 
engaged, viz. : Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, The 
Orchard, Glendale, Malvern, the two battles of Bristoe, Bull 
Run, Gettysburg, Auburn, Locust Grove, Mine Run, Morton's 
Ford and the fatal Wilderness. 

"On the die, and supported on the corners by four lions' 
claws, is a sarcophagus draped by the American flag. This 
sarcophagus is three feet high, and three feet six inches by 
three feet. This in turn is surmounted by a splendidly carved 
spread eagle, resting one foot on a cannon-ball, and having 
under its other foot a torn laurel wreath. This handsome 
bird is three feet in height, and fitly crowns this truly noble 
and original work. 

"The ground whereon the structure stands is the donation 
of the cemetery, the guns which are placed about it came from 
the ordnance department, and the monument itself, as has 
been stated, was the gift of the soldiers of his command. The 
work was designed by Mr. P. C. Reniers of this city, and is a 
fitting tribute to the memory of a brave man." — Pittsburgh 
Post. 



Monuments 643 



A few years following its erection the monument began 
to show the effects of weather and smoke, and gradually dis- 
integrated until much of the inscription was effaced, and it 
was deemed advisable to renew the design in Barre granite, 
which is practically indestructible. The original was taken 
down, broken up, and in its place erected the present memorial, 
which was unveiled on the morning of Memorial Day, 1901, 
under the direction of the surviving members of the 63rd Regi- 
ment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, with the following program 
of exercises : 

Dirge Second Brigade Band 

Prayer Chaplain Alexander Hays Post No. 3, G. A. R., 

of Pittsburgh, Pa. 

Quartette — "Roses, Strew Roses" Nevin 

Miss Henrietta Keil, Miss Helen M. Keil, Mr. 
Peter Keil, Jr., Mr. William J. Caton. 

Unveiling of monument Mrs. Martha Hays Black 

Address Comrade Thomas H. Martin 

Company F, 63rd Regiment. 

Then followed the regular annual memorial services of 
the Grand Army of the Republic by General Alexander Hays 
Post No. 3, G. A. R. : 

Music Second Brigade Band 

Commander's address .William J. Hamilton 

Prayer Chaplain Samuel H. Charlton 

Quartette — "Rest, Soldier, Rest." 

Formal placing of flowers. 

Saluting the Dead. Company F, 3rd Regiment, Boys' Brigade 

Benediction. 

In the new monument the original design was preserved, 
with some minor alterations in the insignia on the front, show- 
ing the general's sword and scabbard crossed, with Second 
and Third Corps badges, surmounted by a wreath of oak and 
laurel. The front face reads : 

"General Alexander Hays, 
Killed in the Battle of the Wilderness, 
May 5, 1864. 
Born July 8, 1819." 
"This monument was erected by the soldiers of his com- 
mand." 

"On Fame's eternal camping ground, 
His silent tent is spread, 
And Glory guards, with solemn round. 
The bivouac of the dead." 

On one side is a list of the battles of the Mexican War in 
which he participated: 



644 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



Palo Alto San Augustine de la Palma 

Resaca de la Palma Tehuacan 

Santa Fe Galaxca 

Paso de Ovejas Tlaxcala 

National Bridge Orizaba 

Huamantla Cordova 

El Penal Tulancingo 

Pueblo Zacultapan 

Atlixco 

On the opposite side, his battles of the Civil War : 

Yorktown Groveton 

"Williamsburg Gettysburg 

Fair Oaks Auburn 

The Orchard Bristoe, A. D. 1863 

Glendale Locust Grove 

Malvern Mine Run 
Bristoe, August A. D. 1862 Morton's Ford 

Bull Run The Wilderness 

On the rear is the date of birth and death of Annie Adams 
McFadden, his wife. 

The battle monument at West Point had its inception in 
the following circular sent of date. The circular is reprinted 
as herewith from the original addressed to General Hays in 
the field. General Hays became a contributor, and his fame 
is attested on this noble shaft on the spacious academy 
grounds : 

CIRCULAR 

West Point, N. Y., December ist, 1863. 
Sir: 

In response to what is believed to be the wish of all who 
have an interest in the subject, the officers now stationed at 
West Point have effected an organization for the purpose of 
erecting a monument, to be called The Battle Monument, at 
that post, upon which shall be inscribed the names of all 
officers of the regular army who, during the present war, shall 
have been killed in or died of wounds received in the field. 

It is not deemed necessary that any elaborate argument 
should set forth the propriety of earnest action in behalf of 
this object. It is an admitted fact that, while in other coun- 
tries and other ages, places are assigned in the historic mau- 
soleum of the nation's illustrious dead for those who have 
fallen for the public good, the soldiers of the American army 
are often permitted to rest among the unknown dead, while 
their names find no place in the annals of the stormy scenes 
in which, perhaps, they were the most exalted actors. 

Is it not fit, therefore, that at West Point, the great 
central post around which cluster some of the richest associa- 
tions of the regular army — to which would cheerfully resort 
all who wish to pay a tribute to the gallant dead — under the 



Monuments 645 

shadow of the academy which at last receives her sons and 
all who fight, or fall beside them, should be erected a monu- 
ment which shall supply the want that now exists 

To the dead it would offer the grateful homage of 
fraternal hearts— to the living, still another inspiration to 
heroic virtues and sublime self-devotion. 

The plan of action that is proposed has been carefully 
sought out, and it is trusted that, with a favorable response, 
a sutticient sum may be raised to make the Battle Monument 
m design and durability, entirely worthy of its purpose 
. . .It seems unnecessary that those who have undertaken to 
initiate this project should disavow any undue assumption 
in regard to it, since they earnestly ask from their brother 
officers in the field, or elsewhere, such instructions or sugges- 
tions as may tend to forward the purpose that is held in view 

tor the purpose of indicating a standard of subscription, 
the following rates are proposed, everyone, however, will feel 

^ermit-^^ ^° °^^'" ^ ^''^^^^'' °'' ^^^^ ^""^ ^^ circumstances 

Major General $27.00 Major $10 00 

Brigadier General.. 18.00 Captain ... ' g'oo 

C?lonel 13.00 Lieutenant ...■.'.*" v'oo 

Lieutenant Colonel. . 11.00 

^^PP^o^imating to six per cent of monthly pay for one 

Besides your personal subscription, your co-operation 
with your associates in the field is also solicited, since this 
Jl^^^lf may not otherwise reach them on account of the 
dimculty of obtaining correct addresses. 

Should subscriptions be forwarded in aggregate the 
officer so forwarding will please enclose the names of the 
several subscribers. Subscriptions may be remitted to the 
treasurer, Prof. A. E. Church, West Point, N. Y. 

A. H. Bowman, President, 

Colonel Engineers. 
A. E. Church, Treasurer, 

Professor Mathematics, U. S. M. A. 
Charles C. Parsons, Secretary, 

1st Lieutenant, Fourth Artillery. 

Executive Committee. 

H. B. Clitz, M. D. McAlester, 

rrr^ ^^J' ^ ^°™- °^ Cadcts. Capt. Engineers. 

W. P. Chambliss, l. Lorain, 

Capt. Sth Cavalry. Capt. 3rd Artillery. 

S. V. Benet A. T. Smith, 

TT T^^xT ^fdnance Corps. 1st Lieut., 8th Infantry. 

H. B Noble, W. A. Elderkin, 

1st. Lieut, 8th Infantry. 1st Lieut., 1st Artillery. 



646 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

The Wilderness monument in honor of General Alexander 
Hays was fully noticed in the Associated Press dispatches 
at the time, and in special correspondence to the Washington 
"Post" and "Star" from Fredericksburg, and also from Rich- 
mond, and preliminary notices were given in the press of those 
cities and in Pittsburgh, all reciting the general's military 
career. 

The ceremonies attending the Hays monument unveiling 
in the Wilderness are best told in the special correspondence 
to the Pittsburgh "Gazette" of June 4, 1905, published at the 
time : 

UNVEIL SHAFT TO GENERAL HAYS 



Mason and Dixon Line Obliterated by Ceremony 
of the Wilderness Battlefield. 



Address by Capt. Shields. 



Special Telegram From 
William L. Ross, Staff Correspondent. 

"Fredericksburg, Va., June 3. — A notable step forward in 
the movement to unite more closely the once broken ties be- 
tween the North and the South was made today. The scene 
was the battlefield of the Wilderness on the occasion of the 
ceremonies attending the unveiling of the monument to 
General Alexander Hays, Pittsburgh's great Civil War martyr. 

"For the first time in the history of such occasions equal 
parts were taken by the representatives from the two sides 
of the Mason and Dixon line. Standing side by side the gray- 
haired veterans of the two armies pledged on the battlefield 
their united loyalty to the Stars and Stripes. Over one thou- 
sand former Confederate soldiers, their wives, sons, daughters 
and grandchildren, took part in the ceremonies, and from 
Pittsburgh and its vicinity and other parts of the North had 
come close upon two hundred veterans and descendants of 
the northern soldiery. 

"Nature could not have granted a better day for the cere- 
monies. Under the cloudless blue sky of a Virginia June the 
long cavalcade proceeded from Fredericksburg, past the ceme- 
teries, northern and southern, in which rest over twenty-five 
thousand American soldiers, over the bloody Marie's Ridge, 
past Salem Church, where Early and Sedgwick met ; past 
Chancellorsville to the spot in the thickly wooded wilderness 
where a shaft of granite marks the spot upon which 'Stone- 
wall' Jackson fell. Here they paused for half an hour, and 
in that time the deeds done and words spoken came as a reve- 
lation to the southerners. 



Monuments 647 



Brought Floral Tributes. 

"Capt. David Shields of Pittsburgh, who was the personal 
aide of General Hays, placed on the iron fence a great wreath 
of ivy, and others added to it bunches of roses and laurel. 
Capt. Shields made a short address. The Grand Army of the 
Republic Quartet of Sewickley sang the song, equally appli- 
cable to both sides, 'The Soldier Boys of the Sixties.' Capt. 
Andrew G. Williams made an address, saying, 'No longer is 
there a South, nor a North, nor a West, nor an East — as 
patriots we all assemble here.' 

"The journey was resumed to the point in the Wilderness 
on the Brock Road, where General Hays fell, and here took 
place the great event of the day. The crowd of about twelve 
hundred, North and South, saw simply a great American flag 
about a monument fifteen feet high. To one side were 
gathered the veterans of both armies with the Sons of 
Veterans. Beyond these in a great mass stood the other 
visitors. The Grand Army of the Republic Quartet opened 
the ceremonies by the singing of 'America.' The members 
of the quartet are : Soprano, Mrs. J. Sharp McDonald ; con- 
tralto, Mrs. John A. Roe ; tenor, Robert J. Cunningham ; basso, 
William C. Nevin. The entire throng joined with the quartet. 
Then Capt. Shields, who was master of the ceremonies, an- 
nounced the invocation, which was spoken by the Rev. John 
H. Light, pastor of the Fredericksburg Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Eloquently he beseeched divine blessing for the 
movement to heal the wounds of the war. 



Made Nation More Glorious. 

"Major W. S. Embrey, C. S. A., presented the deed to 
the land. His title was won in the Confederate service, but 
the voice of the man rang clear as he said : 

" 'We are gathered to mark for future generations the 
spot where General Alexander Hays fell, bled and died, not 
in defense of his country, but in its preservation, I am a man 
who believes in destiny. The hand of Providence can now 
be traced in the war which rent our nation. Its outcome has 
been to make the country more united than ever before, more 
grand, more glorious. I deem it an honor to be able to turn 
over the deed for the site of a monument to so great and 
brave a soldier as Alexander Hays.' 

"Capt. Williams, on behalf of the 63rd Regiment, organ- 
ized by General Hays, accepted the tendered deed, saying: 

" 'Could we but draw aside the thin veil that today clouds 
from our vision the heavens we could see, I believe, Jackson 
and Hays united. Praise to Almighty God that the time has 
come when North and South can meet again as brothers.' 



648 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"Mrs. J. Sharp McDonald sang 'The Star-Spangled 
Banner,' and in the refrain all united. The presentation of 
the monument followed. On behalf of General Alexander 
Hays Post No. 3, G. A. R., and Davis Star Camp, Sons of 
Veterans, U. S. A., the Rev. Nathan L. Brown of Leechburg, 
Pa., made a notable address. He spoke eloquently for thirty 
minutes, his words being followed with the closest attention. 

Blind Son Unveils Monument. 

"Then came the unveiling. Alden F. Hays, the late 
general's eldest son, totally blind, caught the cord, and as the 
flag folded gracefully and dropped to the base of the monu- 
ment, the artist's work was received with prolonged applause. 
The base is of granite, an inscription appearing on each side. 
The monument proper is simply a bronze cannon standing on 
end, its muzzle in the air. 

"The cannon shown represents one of the old field guns 
which were so often used with great efifect by General Hays. 
At the trunnions a large bronze tablet in the form of a clover 
leaf, the Second Army Corps insignia, is fastened to the gun. 
On the tablet is the inscription : 

" 'Here fell General Alexander Hays, Third Division, 
Second Corps, U. S. V., May 5, 1864.' 

"The granite base bears the following inscription front: 
'Erected by General Alexander Hays Post No. 3, G. A. R., 
and Davis Star Camp, Sons of Veterans, of Pennsylvania.' 

"On the reverse is this : 'This ground was donated by 
Major W. S. Embrey, C. S. A.' 

Accepts for Hays Family. 

"Thomas H. Martin, a veteran of Company F, 63rd 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, accepted the monument in behalf 
of General Hays' family. He said at the opening of his 
address : 

" 'A recent fall I sustained has so injured my heart that 
I cannot speak so distinctly as I would desire to address so 
large a gathering. Only for a most important purpose would 
I try at all. Yet if the effort kill me now, in no other service 
would I so gladly give my life as in adding my part to the 
honor paid General Hays.' 

"He then accepted the monument. The quartet sang 'A 
Soldier's Deeds Live Forever,' and Dr. Thomas Calver of 
Washington read an original poem entitled 'Alexander Hays.' 

"The poem is based on General Grant's famous saying of 
Hays, 'His motto in battle was always, "Come, boys," and 
never "Go." "■ 

1 See page 631. 



Monuments 649 

attorZv'n?°c:";/,f "/• ^^°^^^^^' fo^ner judge and now state's 
attorney of Spottsylvama county, then delivered an address 
promising the protection by the people of the community 
and especially by the Confederate veterans, of the monument 
XI e saxu in part : 

.oi. 'Vi^""^ u^ ^^^"'■^ >^°" ^^^^ *^^ Confederate soldiers will 
take this charge, and on Memorial Day they will decorate it 

?he hY r.^ ''} ''' '^"^^^ *^^^ G°^ ^-^^ - the springtlm 
Ihe Confederate women who honor the memory of the God- 
hke Jackson, wi 1 place an equal number of blossoms on the 
monument to this brave man. 

Fighters With Their Tongues. 

" 'Let me assure you further that when you hear a 
southern man berating the northern soldier, you hear the 
words of a liar and a cheat. The bitterness after the war came 
from those who became soldiers only after the war was over, 
and the southerner who would kill all the Yankees now neve^ 
hurt one in the sixties.' 

"To Judge Goolrick's remarks came a thunder of 
applause, and the popularity of the man, as well as the senti- 
ments, was shown in the cheers that greeted him On the 
visiting delegation from Pittsburgh his address made a deep 
impression, as it comes from a former Confederate soldier 
who IS active now in the afifairs of his state and in touch with 
the trend of thought. 

A r^it1^'"^°" ^^^ ^^^ ^^^P Ground,' sung by the quartet 
ended al but one number of the program. That one dumber 
was the luncheon served by the Ladies' Spottsylvania Ceme- 
tery Association. v^^iiic 

Ar.!,. y.u l^ uv ^°'^^ ^^^'^ ^^°'' ^ho"ted one Grand 
Army of the Republic man, as he dashed for the ioqc; mess 
tent. Ihere was no doubt as to the improvement in forty 
years, and as a result about one thousand dollars was added 
to the cemetery fund. 

r1i-nn3^^" ^^""l" ^u ^^^dcricksburg camc the visitors, and after 
dinner there at the hotel and homes of the town the Pitts- 
burghers went to the National Cemetery, where many a 
wreath was laid on a grave, whose filling forty-one years ago 
had caused grief in a Pittsburgh home. 

'This evening the party divided— some went to Rich- 
mond, following in buggies the hard-fought route of the army 
Others started back to Pittsburgh, while still others will re- 
main to visit more thoroughly the battlefields of the section." 

Dr. Schaflf recurs to General Hays in these words : 
"And while we are on Hancock's front let me refer to 
nays, and if you ever go along the Brock Road you will come 



650 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

to a cast-iron gun standing upright on a granite base sur- 
rounded by an iron picket fence. It marks the nearby spot 
where he fell, and is on the right-hand side of the road where 
the easterly branch of Wilderness Run crosses it, a little this 
side of the junction. He was a very gallant officer, and his 
lonely monument will appeal to you. There is something 
illustrative of the man, and mysteriously prophetic, in a letter 
he wrote his wife the morning of the day he was killed: 'This 
morning was beautiful,' said the letter, 'for 

" 'Lightly and brightly shone the sun, 
As if the morn was a jocund one.'i 

Although we were anticipating to march at 8 o'clock, it might 
have been an appropriate harbinger of the day of regenera- 
tion of mankind ; but it brought to remembrance, through the 
throats of the bugles, that duty enjoined upon each one, per- 
haps before the setting sun to lay down a life for his country/ 
"It was a translation worthy of the prophets of old that 
he gave to the notes of the bugles ; and the reverential, kindly 
mood — and to think it was his last ! — hailing the day as the 
day of regeneration of mankind ! Oh ! the sanity and spread 
of the primary emotions !"^ 

The following letter shows the vesting of the title to the 
property upon which the monument stands : 

"Fidelity Title & Trust Company, 

"Pittsburgh, Pa., July 3rd, 1905. 
"Mr. Gilbert A. Hays, 

"Sewickley, Pa. : 
"Dear Sir : — Your esteemed favor of the 28th of June is 
at hand enclosing the deed for the site of General Hays' monu- 
ment in the Wilderness. 

"We keep this record with a great deal of pleasure, feel- 
ing it a privilege to help to perpetuate the memory of such 
a man as General Hays. 

"Very truly yours, 

"John B. Jackson, 

"President." 

The deed from Major Embrey was made in perpetual 
trust to the Fidelity Title & Trust Company of Pittsburgh. 

Judge McCalmont was unable to attend the dedication. 
He wrote, however, feelingly : 

1 "Siege of Corinth," Byron, Stanza 22. 

a "The Battle of the Wilderness," Pages 219-220. 




Grave and Monument, Allegheny Cemetary, Pittsbuigh. 



Monuments 651 



"1369 Kenesaw Avenue, Washington, D. C, 

May 19, 1905. 
"Gilbert A. Hays, Esq., 

"Secretary: 

"Dear Sir : — Please accept my cordial thanks for the invi- 
tation to the dedication June 3, 1905, of the monument erected 
in memory of General Alexander Hays on the Wilderness 
battlefield. 

"It would gratify me much to be in condition to promise 
an acceptance of it, but as I am slowly recovering from a 
serious illness, and as yet quite feeble, I fear that I will not 
be able to undertake a journey requiring a day's absence from 
my room. This will be a disappointment to me, for I have 
long wished to be present when a monument should be dedi- 
cated to the memory of my friend, Alexander Hays. 

"The memories of his attachment for me, and our strolls 
together when we were small boys ; of our companionship at 
Allegheny College and West Point, and our friendly corre- 
spondence for many years, come thronging over me, and 
awaken emotions of the tenderest nature. I regarded him, in 
all of his career, as one of the bravest of the brave. 

"Like him where shall I find another this world around. 
"Sincerely, 

"John S. McCalmont." 

The soldiers' monument at Franklin, Pa., is in the court 
house park, and was erected by public subscription and dedi- 
cated September 10, 1866. It contains the names of about 
four hundred soldiers of Venango county who died in the 
service of their country, many of whom were in General Alex- 
ander Hays' command. The names of Generals Alexander 
Hays and Jesse L. Reno, the gallant commander of the Ninth 
Corps, killed at South Mountain, September 14, 1862, occupy 
conspicuous positions on the shaft. 

Coincident with the anniversary of General Hays' death, 
May 5, 1864, there was placed in Cullum Hall, at the United 
States Military Academy, West Point, a bronze memorial 
tablet, the donor being the municipality of the city of Frank- 
lin, Pa., General Hays' birthplace. The design is that of the 
celebrated sculptor, O'Connor, and was executed in Paris. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

SOME TESTIMONIAI.S 

NATURALLY the history of the 63rd Pennsylvania 
Volunteers contains much about their old colonel. 
These excerpts are from that history : 

"Colonel Hays was a most kind-hearted and patient man 
with a private soldier, but when an officer was inclined to 
shirk his duty he received no mercy at his hands ; that was 
the great reason why the privates all loved him so dearly. 
An instance of his kindness is recalled: It was at the second 
battle of Bull Run. One of the boys was shot in the leg and 
was in danger of bleeding to death, as the hospital steward 
with the field knapsack was in another part of the field. 
Colonel Hays rode by and asked what was needed. One of 
the men in charge told the colonel that they had no linen or 
cotton bandages, and could not stop the bleeding. Instantly 
the colonel's coat and vest were ofT; next he pulled his muslin 
shirt over his head and, tossing it to the men, said, 'There, 
make bandages out of that as far as it will go,' and then 
galloped away to another part of the field. "^ 

"Colonel Hays had a rare sense of humor, and many times 
offenders for small refractions brought before him secured 
their release unpunished owing to their ready wit. A member 
of Company D, accused of stealing and killing a sheep, the 
property of a farmer upon whose farm the regiment was en- 
camped, was brought before the colonel for judgment. When 
asked for an explanation, he remarked, 'You see, colonel, 
while out chopping fire wood, this lamb, which was in an 
adjoining field, attacked me, and in self-defense I killed it, 
and I would kill this sheep or any other man's sheep that 
climbed over a fence and tried to bite me.' With a significant 
grin the colonel dismissed the case, but there was a suspicious 
smell of roast lamb pervading the camp that evening."^ 

The venerable Judge Pearson,^ brother-in-law of General 
Alexander Hays, in his letter of August 2^, 1883, previously 
quoted, says : 

1 W. H. Morrow of Manor, Pa., who served in Company A, is 
authority for the above statement. 

2 "Under the Red Patch," Pages, 105, 145. 

3 Hon. John J. Pearson to Alden F. Hays, Vide, Chapter II. 

65S 



Some Testimonials 653 



"He remained at West Point the regular time, was 
examined, and as the war had broken out with Mexico he 
and other graduates were ordered into the army. 

"After the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, 
in both of which he participated with much credit, and gained 
distinction, and more troops became necessary, he was sent 
back to recruit — I think to Buffalo, and probably into West- 
ern Pennsylvania; also, perhaps, to Pittsburgh. While in the 
recruiting service he married your mother. Of all this you 
can doubtless have more correct information than is furnished 
by my imperfect memory. For, although he always wrote 
me full letters as to all of the events mentioned, yet I have 
none of those letters now. They were all lost on my removal 
from Mercer to this place, and it is scarcely probable that 
mine to him were preserved under the vicissitudes of his 
eventful life. We, however, kept up a pretty regular corre- 
spondence for several years. 

"At the expiration of the Mexican War, in which he 
actively participated to the end, and was, I think, breveted 
a captain, he resigned, and returned to Franklin, where he 
and his father entered into the iron business, which was then 
failing for want of proper protection, and they, in common 
with a large portion of the iron masters in Pennsylvania, 
broke up. 

"His resignation from the army was against the earnest 
advice of both his father and myself. After this he removed 
to Pittsburgh, and I think for a year or two followed land 
surveying, and acted as an engineer on railroads, until the 
California fever broke out, when he tried his fortune there 
for a time, but was not very successful. On his return from 
California I think he resumed the business of a railroad engi- 
neer [civil], but the constant pressure of my duties as a judge 
caused me to measurably lose sight of him for some time. 

"Others of your family and persons about Pittsburgh 
can give you much more information about this period of his 
life. When the rebellion broke out and volunteers were called 
for to defend Washington, I wrote advising him to at once 
raise a company and, if possible, a regiment, and enter the 
service, and in a very few days he came on here with a regi- 
ment from Allegheny county, of which he was major. 

"On the remodeling of the volunteer army and its in- 
crease he was commissioned a colonel, and was soon appointed 
a brigadier general. At the time of his death I understood 
a major general's commission was made out for him. General 
Cameron also informed me that when he was Secretary of 
War, Colonel Hays was reinstated in the regular army, and 
held the office of lieutenant colonel. He was uniformly re- 
puted tr be as brave an officer as was in the army, and par- 



654 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



ticipated in much hard fighting. A braver soldier never rode 
into battle. 

"Sincerely yours, 

"John J. Pearson."! 

This letter from Hon. Judge John S. McCalmont to Alden 
F. Hays shows that the documentary evidence that would 
enlighten the editor, and hence the readers, is lost to them, 
for Judge McCalmont did produce all the letters, and what 
he sent have been lost : 

"Franklin, Pa., August 23, 1883. 
"Mr. Alden F. Hays : 

"My Dear Sir: — It is with some misgivings that in reply 
to yours of the 21st inst. I enclose you some letters written 
to me by your father in his youthful days, and also some by 
your uncle, James Hays. 

"These letters have probably never been read by other 
than myself. Possibly some should have been destroyed. 
Some have been accidentally lost or destroyed which were 
worthy of preservation. 

"But now, having kept these so long [nearly half a cen- 
tury], I think they may be safely trusted to you, the son of 
my old friend, to do with as you deem proper. I see that the 
mice have been nibbling at one or two of them, but probably 
you can decipher them. There are some West Point and 
army colloquialisms possibly that you cannot well make out. 
In some cases the writing is in small characters, and hurried 
[the desire being in those days of high postage to get as much 
as possible on one sheet of paper], but I was so used to your 
father's writing that I could make out all the words. 

"There are statements of facts and matters of history 
contained in these letters which you ought to have. There 
are other items which can now be of no concern to anybody. 
There are some expressions which ought not to be retained, 
but I will not attempt to single them out or erase them. They 
do no harm among friends. 

"At the age of sixteen your father was bright, active, 
intelligent — the foremost in healthy sports and bravest of the 
brave. His mind was ever restless, seeking for employment. 
He had a 'quick bosom.' to which 'quiet' at times must have 
been unendurable. I have wondered sometimes how he ac- 
quired so much mastery over himself as to go through the 
tedious drudgery of the collegiate course at Meadville, and 
the four years' course at West Point. 

"His literary attainments when young were very con- 
siderable, and he must have read much outside of his studies. 

1 At the date of this letter Judge Pearson was eighty-three years 
old. 



Some Testimonials 655 



"These letters will give some faint idea of his genius, ver- 
satility, frankness, honor, good faith, love of fun and frolic, 
bravery, conflict of mind, relative to plans of life ; friendship, 
love of home and wife, and unquenchable love of country, 
which was ready and eager to serve until death. 

"I confess, much as I thought of him in youth, and ad- 
mired him in after years, I read his letters, written to me 
from Buffalo after his marriage, with new and strange emo- 
tions of regard and love. How truthful, how frank, how 
generous, confiding and good to me he was ! 

"And James, too, the playmate of my youngest days. It 
will not do for me to call up all the associations or youthful 
forms to which these letters would lead me; I see them now, 
not as men, but as boys. And to think that nearly all of them 
have grown up, and struggled with the world, and some of 
them fought the battles of their country, and most of them 
gone to their long homes, and I left nearly alone, makes me 
sad. Yet it is a sadness mingled with peace, and submission, 
and comforted by the reflection of having been the com- 
panion, and trusted friend of such brave and generous spirits 
of bygone days. 

"When I get time to look over all my papers I will, if I 
come across anything further relating to your family history, 
send it to you. 

"There were some letters written to me by your father 
when he was a student at Meadville in 1837 and 1838. I think 
I sent one of them to a young gentleman who was getting 
up a history of the Allegheny Literary Society. It gave an 
account of that society a€ the time. At any rate, I cannot 
now lay my hands on the letters. There may be also some 
other letters, but perhaps these I send will be sufiflcient to 
serve your purpose. 

"If I can be of any further service to you in your under- 
taking to preserve your family history, it will give me pleas- 
ure to have you mention it at any time. 
"Very truly yours, 

"John S. McCalmont." 

A letter of Rev. J. J. Marks, former chaplain of the 63rd 
Regiment, to Capt. R. Howard Millar, secretary of the Regi- 
mental Association, written September, 1896, regretting his 
inability to attend a regimental reunion on account of age 
and increasing feebleness, among other things, recites the 
following: 

"I wanted to tell of the remarkable change that came over 
General Hays during the last winter of his life, of the hymns 
he sang, of the sacred poetry he repeated, of his drawing near 



656 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

to Jesus, of the remarkable presentment of death, that that 
was his last day." 

In the various cyclopedias of American biography, 
General Alexander Hays receives more or less mention. His 
character and disposition are thus briefly summarized in one : 

"General Hays was frank, brave and quick, and full of 
energy, and was a great favorite with his men."^ 

GENERAL WINFIELD S. HANCOCK TO MRS. ANNIE A. HAYS 

General Hancock was ever a staunch friend of his class- 
mate and chum, and was outspoken in the praise of Alexander 
Hays. The war was not yet over when he wrote Mrs. Hays 
thus: 

"Washington, D. C, January 26, 1865. 
"My Dear Madam : 

"Your note of December 31st was received in due season, 
but I left Washington immediately afterwards on a tour of 
duty. I was unwillingly obliged to defer replying, as my time 
was constantly taken up by business matters. I beg that you 
will pardon the delay. A prompt attention to your wishes 
would be proper and just, because to your brave husband, and 
to his reckless exposure of himself in times of greatest 
danger, I was often indebted to much of my success in mili- 
tary operations. I intended to have written to you immedi- 
ately after his death, but the service we were passing through 
seemed to leave me no suitable occasion until it appeared to 
me so late that its grace would have been lost. 

"We never had a more fearless general or soldier than 
your husband, nor one whose power was more manifest among 
the troops on the field of battle. He was one of those who, 
by his personal presence, could always bring order out of 
confusion. Had he lived he would long since have been pro- 
moted. 

"When I was a boy I once had a difficulty,^ and Alexander 
Hays was the first volunteer to assist me and in extracting 
me from my trouble became involved in aforesaid difficulty 
himself. I never forgot his generous action on that occasion, 
and hoped some day to serve him. I never had the oppor- 
tunity as to the time of his death he owed his prominence to 

1 Appleton's "Cyclopedia of American Biography," Vol. HI, Page 
146. 

2 The difficulty referred to was the celebrated Hays-Crittenden 
Ight during their West Point days and noted in Chapter HI. 



Some Testimonials 657 

his own good qualities. It now affords me much gratifica- 
tion to be of service to his wife or children. 
"I am, very truly, 

"Your obedient servant, 

"Winfield S. Hancock. 
"To Mrs. Alexander Hays, Pittsburgh, Pa." 

Lieut. General Simon B. Buckner,^ last survivor of the 
class of 1844, and one of the few, if not the only one, of the 
ante-Mexican War era, revered Ulysses S. Grant and bore him 
to his tomb. Alexander Hays also loved the great commander, 
and Ulysses S. Grant and Alexander Hays had the same deep 
regard for Simon B. Buckner that the latter had for them. 
How great that regard was on the part of General Buckner 
for General Grant the world knows. How the great heart of 
the former Confederate general has treasured the memory of 
Alexander Hays is apparent in a recent letter, to-wit : 

"Munfordville, Ky., R. F. D. No. i, 
"Dear Mr. Hays: ^ February 22, 191 1. 

"I was glad to receive your letter. It revives many pleas- 
ant recollections of your gallant father. As a classmate of 
mine at West Point from 1840 to 1844 we were thrown closely 
together, and he was one of the most cherished of my boy- 
hood friends. His genial and generous nature won upon all 
with whom he was brought in contact, and no member of his 
class was held in higher esteem for his manly and generous 
qualities. 

"The last time I met him was some years after he resigned 
from the army. In passing through Pittsburgh I stopped to 
call on him and his wife, who were then living near there. I 
met one of his sons in New Orleans after the Civil War. I 
hold your father's memory in tenderest recollections, and 
would be glad to hear more of your family. 

"Believe me, 

"Very truly yours, 

"S. B. Buckner. 
"Mr. Gilbert A. Hays, Sewickley, Pa." 

These are indeed kind words. In tenor and tone they 
are in unison with all who testify to the worth and manhood, 
the great heart and mind of Alexander Hays, his high stand- 
ing, not alone as a soldier, but his value as a true and lasting 
friend. 

1 General Buckner died January 8, 1914, having almost com- 
pleted his ninety-first year. 



658 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

Ulysses S. Grant likewise never forgot his academy mate 
and early comrade. At the time of General Grant's visit to 
Pittsburgh, in 1868, Hon. Jared M. Brush, then Mayor of 
Pittsburgh, occupied the carriage with General Grant while 
being shown around the city, and told the following story : 

"I remember what a pleasant time we had together dur- 
ing the big German saengerfest out at Friendship Grove in 
1868. General Grant, then a candidate, went out with a party 
of us, and we had a jovial time with the Germans. The 
general and myself were in a carriage together returning, and 
when we were near the cemetery he turned to me and said : 
'Can you tell me where General Alexander Hays' grave is?' 
I told him it was not a hundred yards off. 'Drive me to it,' 
said Grant. The driver was given the necessary order, and 
we were soon beside the grave of General Hays, as we gener- 
ally called him. General Grant stepped out of the carriage 
and walked around the grave, reading on the monument the 
brilliant war record of the deceased soldier. After spending 
a few minutes thus he sat down on one of the cannon near 
the monument, and appeared to be wrapped in deep thought. 
I turned aside, and when I again looked at Grant he was weep- 
ing like a child. I said nothing, and when we entered the 
carriage and were driven to the city not a word passed be- 
tween us until we were near our destination, when he turned 
to me with the remark : 'Has General Hays any relatives 
here?' I told him his wife and her parents, the McFaddens, 
were still living. 'Drive me to their residence, if it is not too 
much trouble,' said he, and together we went over to the 
house, where the general was introduced to the family, and 
talked with them a short time. 

"From the time I saw him beside the grave of Hays 
weeping I have always thought Grant was a man with his 
heart in the right place. It struck me as strange to see him 
weeping, but he and Alexander Hays were classmates and 
soldiers together, and no doubt the words on the monument 
brought to his memory old scenes. General Meade made the 
same request to see Hays' grave when he was here."^ 

Another clipping referring to the same incident is as 

follows •?■ 

Grant and Hays. 

"A touching incident which occurred on the occasion of 
General Grant's recent visit to Pittsburgh has not yet been 
noticed. On General Grant's return from the volksfest he 

1 The above is a newspaper clipping. The papers invariably 
stated that Hays and Grant were classmates. 

2 Pittsburgh "Evening Chronicle," September 18, 1869. 



Some Testimonials 659 



expressed the earnest desire to see the grave of that gallant 
officer, General Alexander Hays, who lies interred in the 
Allegheny Cemetery, and was driven to that burial place for 
the purpose of musing over the remains of his fallen comrade 
in arms. Grant and Hays served together in the Mexican 
War, and received their first merits for soldierly conduct at 
the battle of Palo Alto. They entertained for each other the 
warmest personal esteem, and on the decease of Hays, General 
Grant took the earliest opportunity of expressing in a letter 
his personal feelings and his sense of the great public loss 
which had been sustained. It is pleasant to think that in the 
midst of the festivities by which he was surrounded in Pitts- 
burgh his heart still went forth to the tomb of one of the 
bravest men who ever drew a sword in defense of the flag of 
the nation." 

Another clipping with a Hays reference is dated seven- 
teen years later :^ 

THE BATTLE YEARS 



Recalled in Song and Story at the Sanitary Reunion at Valley 
Camp Yesterday. 



The Second Day and Its Work. 



Anecdotes of Grant and Lincoln and the Other Heroes 
of the War. 



"In concluding the speaker^ stated he was greatly attached 
to Pittsburgh, as it was in Dr. Littel's church, in this city, 
many years ago, that he gave up the use of wine and all intoxi- 
cating liquors. He described the speech he made in Dr. Pax- 
ton's church, this city, during the war. 

" 'Major Frew promised me a thousand dollars,' he said, 
'if I could get nineteen thousand dollars from the audience. I 
started with the name of my friend, Major Frew, for one 
thousand dollars. Major Frew arose and said, "I did promise to 
give one thousand dollars on condition that nineteen thousand 
dollars were raised in this house, but I now withdraw my offer. 
Since yesterday a friend of mine has given her husband, 
General Alexander Hays, to her country. If she could afford 
to do that I can afford to make my offer five thousand dol- 
lars." The effect on the large audience was wonderful, and 
the sum of forty-five thousand dollars was raised in a few 
minutes.' " 

1 Pittsburgh 'Dispatch," July 31, 1886. 

2 The speaker, Francis Murphy, the greatest temperance apostle. 



660 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

General Clinton D. MacDougall concludes his letter on 
Gettysburg, quoted in Chapter XVI, with these warm words 
of love for his former commander : 

"General Hays was the firm friend and warm admirer of 
the volunteers. No soldier served under him who would 
not sacrifice his life for him. No commander was ever more 
beloved, honored or respected by his men. No braver soldier 
ever faced an enemy. 

"To him the whirlwind of the charge seemed a joy and 
an inspiration, yet always cool, self-poised and determined. 
When off duty, gentle and lovable as a child, always genial 
and companionable, a lover of music, poetry and literature. 

"In the jungles of the wilderness a bullet of the enemy 
ended his brilliant and glorious career. Peace to his ashes. 

"His memory to me and all the survivors of the iiith 
New York will always be a sacred remembrance of all that 
was true, generous, manly and brave. 

"No more gallant or knightly soldier sleeps among our 
slain. 

" 'His mourners were two hosts, his friends and foes. 
He kept the whiteness of his soul 
And thus men o'er him wept.' " 

General MacDougall said years ago at Gettysburg, on 
the occasion of the dedication of the most beautiful monu- 
ment to the I nth New York Regiment, and he spoke the 
sentiments of his heart then as now: 

"Our division was commanded by Brigadier General 
Alexander Hays of Pennsylvania, than whom a braver man 
never drew a sword ; himself a graduate of West Point and 
an officer of the old army, he had won distinction in the 
Mexican War and in the Peninsula campaign of the Army of 
the Potomac. Bluff, brave, generous, he was a great friend 
of the volunteer and deservedly popular." 

General Jerome A. Watrous^ of Milwaukee, who knew 
General Alexander Hays in the Army of the Potomac, wrote 
Mr. Gilbert A. Hays under date of March i6, 191 1 : 

"While a young man, a soldier, and at the same time 
rather a close observer, probably because I was a printer and 

1 J. A. Watrous, private, Company E, 6th Wisconsin Volunteers, 
July, 1861; ordnance sergeant, sergeant major and adjutant general 
of the "Iron Brigade of the West" [First Brigade, First Division, 
First Corps; First Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifth Corps; First 
Brigade, Third Division, Fifth Corps]; mustered out May 15, 1865; 
editor and proprietor Fond-du-Lac "Commonwealth;" one of the 
editors and proprietors of the Milwaukee "Telegraph;" commander 
G. A. R., Department of Wisconsin; brigadier general staff Governor 
J. M. Rusk; major U. S. A., June 15, 1898; chief paymaster to June, 



Some Testimonials 661 



a young newspaper man when I enlisted, I very soon had 
my favorites in the army. Among them was your father. As 
the years have come and gone, and we reason along new lines, 
our estimates are readjusted, at least mine have been. Your 
father stood very high when I was a young man. I now see 
him in a very different light and estimate him much more 
highly. 

"Personally, and in behalf of the thousands of other men 
of the Army of the Potomac who still live, I want to thank 
you for your decision to publish the book that is soon to 
appear. It will be a lesson in patriotism. No man, young or 
old, and indeed no woman, girl or boy will read it without 
having faith in the institutions of the country for which your 
father gave his life, increased and their love for it greatly 
added to. The plainest, simplest story of General Hays' life 
will be an inspiration to all who may read it. 

"While it was not given to men in the ranks and officers 
of the lower grades to become acquainted with the higher 
officers outside of their own regiments, it is nevertheless true 
that in that old Union army which saved the nation there 
were tens of thousands of young men who read character 
carefully and correctly, and also estimated justly and with 
marked precision, colonels of regiments, generals of brigades, 
divisions, army corps and commanders of an army, even 
though they never had an opportunity to speak to them, and 
some of these estimates were made without an opportunity 
to personally see the officers. 

"It was my good fortune, on a dozen or more different 
occasions, to take a good, square look at the late Major 
General Alexander Hays, a graduate of West Point, who, 
soon after the beginning of the war, led a Pennsylvania regi- 
ment to the field, and was in time made a brigadier general 
and breveted a major general. He was a commanding figure ; 
he looked the soldier every minute he was on duty, and that 
is what he was, whether on duty or not — a real and great 
soldier of the Republic. 

"I shall not take the time to explain how it came about 
that men in the ranks and officers of low grade became familiar 
with the lives and deeds of those who during the four years 
of war became more or less favorites with them. I remember 
why I began to admire General Hays. It was when I came to 
know of his great popularity with the men in his command 

1899, Department of Columbia [Major General W. R. Shafter, com- 
manding] ; chief paymaster Department of the Visayas; chief pay- 
master Department of the South Philippines [Major General J. T. 
Wade, commanding]; lieutenant colonel U. S. A., September, 1904, 
and retired for age; associate editor of "The Union Army; A History 
of Military Affairs in the Loyal States, etc.;" author of "The History 
of Wisconsin" in that period, and "The Records of Wisconsin Regi- 
ments" in that work. 



662 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



early in the war, his Pennsylvania regiment, every soldier of 
which seemed proud of him, glad to honor him, ready to cheer 
him and willing to fight under him. Not all regiments had 
such colonels, but it may safely be said that all regiments 
that had such colonels as General Hays proved to be depended 
upon in the line of battle to do their full share, and even more. 
They were not only fighting for their country, but they were 
fighting for the honor and glory of a commander who was near 
and dear to them. 

"As the war progressed. Uncle Sam's soldiers, whether 
volunteers or regulars, in no sense machines, noted those 
officers who succeeded, those colonels and generals who knew 
how to fight, and did successfully fight. Alexander Hays was 
in that class from the time his fighting first began up to that 
fatal day in the Wilderness, when he and thousands of other 
brave American soldiers gave their lives. If it had been left 
to the rank and file General Hays would have been a major 
general in command of an army corps in time to lead his corps 
at the battle of Gettysburg, where, with a division, he con- 
contributed more than I shall now attempt to say toward the 
lasting and great victory on that never-to-be-forgotten field. 
He was one of the officers in the Army of the Potomac who 
never failed to meet the expectations of his superiors, who 
accomplished more than was expected of him. He committed 
no blunders. He always accomplished what he undertook. 
He was a man of dauntless courage, a natural leader, as 
genuine a patriot as ever wore the uniform. 

"General Hays was in the class with Hancock and Warren, 
Reynolds, Sedgwick, McPherson, Gibbon, Griffin and Sumner, 
and, if the opportunity had ofifered, I am going to venture to 
say that he would also have been in a class with Grant, Sher- 
man, Sheridan, Thomas and Meade. He had received his 
education and early discipline in the same splendid institu- 
tion, West Point, and he had had more years of service in 
the old army than either of the generals named, except 
Thomas and Meade. His command of his regiment, brigade 
and a division in battle, as well as elsewhere, was the equal 
of that of any regimental, brigade or division commander in 
the Army of the Potomac, which he helped to make famous. 

"I rejoice to learn that a history, in book form, of this dis- 
tinguished soldier and superb type of man is to be given to 
the public, and it would delight my heart to know that hun- 
dreds of thousands of young men would have an opportunity 
to peruse its pages, for I am confident that such a reading 
would add materially to their good citizenship, their faith in 
and love for the land which General Hays served so well and 
for which he died. 

Some time I hope that one who was a volunteer soldier 
in the army will take it upon himself to write a book upon 



Some Testimonials 663 



the services of the trained soldiers, graduates of West Point, 
who had a part in the Civil War. Every year adds to my 
gratitude for the great leaders whom I believe made it 
possible that the armies of the North could achieve the 
victory that was won. All of the army commanders, with the 
exception of one who commanded an army only a short time 
towards the end of the war, were among those trained soldiers, 
graduates of West Point, as General Hays was. Nearly all 
of the corps commanders were from the same institution, well 
fitted for the great duties that devolved upon them, A large 
proportion of the division commanders and many of the 
brigade commanders were of the same class. Their influence, 
their example, their persistent efforts, made soldiers of other 
commanders, and fighting men of the mighty rank and file. 
History has never given them the credit that is their due, if 
we except Generals Grant, Sherman, Sheridan and a few 
others. Thomas has never received his due, nor has Meade, 
Reynolds, Gibbon, Hays, Hancock, Merritt, Custer and a long, 
long line of men who did things — men who fought and won 
victories." 

The loyal, loving New York men who served under 
Alexander Hays have ever honored him in word and deed. 
In "The History of the 126th Regiment" is an extended 
obituary, prefaced with an elegant steel plate portrait of their 
deceased general, from which this extract is taken : 

"General Hays led his command in the battle of the 
Wilderness, and on the 5th of May, while rallying his brigade 
to withstand the shock of Lee's legions that came cheering 
down in superior numbers upon him, he was pierced by a 
Rebel bullet and fell with his face to the foe. The lowering 
clouds of battle threw a dark pall over the scene, and two 
hundred thousand muskets flashed their lurid fires in deadly 
defiance, and shook the deep forest, with their angry roar, 
honors befitting the death of the noblest chieftain. So died 
Hays the hero. 

"The announcement of his death was a sad one to the 
old Third Brigade, and especially the 126th New York, to 
whom he was more than a friend in the day of their adversity, 
when perjured cowards had blackened their record; for he 
became their patron, believed in their innocence and virtue, 
and trusted in their bravery, a trust never betrayed."^ 

The pamphlet spoken of in the letter below was distributed 
at the semi-centennial celebration of the Battle of Gettys- 
burg. Upon receiving one, Lieut. Warner wrote as follows : 

1 "Disaster, Struggle, Triumph," Page 339. 



664 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



"Quequechan Club, 
"Fall River, Mass., September 21, 1913. 

"Mr. Gilbert A. Hays: 

"My Dear Sir: — The copies of the little booklet, 'General 
Alexander Hays at Gettysburg/ reached me safely a few days 
ago, and I have already distributed a few of them among old 
friends who would appreciate them — the Loyal Legion of 
Massachusetts for one. 

"I am quite sure that the correspondent of a Buffalo 
paper [page 12] belonged to our brigade or division, for with 
trifling differences his account is as I saw it, and substantially 
as I wrote it down in a letter soon after. I said 'one aide,' but 
General Hays was the figure on which my attention was 
wrapt. I called him 'old Hays,' which I now see might seem 
strange, as he was only 44, but the year before, in May, 1862, 
I called General Hartsuff 'old Hartsuff,' and he celebrated his 
thirty-second birthday that month. 

"I do not feel equal to writing, as you suggest, any elab- 
oration of what I saw of your father. I find that I wrote then, 
'General Hays, with his hands full of Rebel flags, which his 
division had captured, was trailing them in the dust, and 
riding his horse up and down the lines.' If anyone thinks he 
has the slighest glimmer of the depths of emotion a man can 
feel when he sees his own flag high up in the air, and the de- 
spised rag of his enemies brought down to the dirt, he has then 
but a slight realization of how we felt at that moment. It was a 
time of the wildest confusion and of the most intense feeling, 
yet with it came the sense to every Union soldier that at last 
the Battle of Gettysburg had been fought out, and had been 
won. 

"Our division had been sent over on the rush from Ceme- 
tery Hill. 

"I have somewhere some letters written by the color- 
bearer of our regiment [the 13th Massachusetts], in one of 
which he says something like this : 'Old Hays rode his horse 
until it was shot out from under him, and then he walked 
into our ranks as if he was on parade. Such a sight I never 
saw or ever expect to see again in this world, and such a cheer 
went up you would think the skies were breaking.' 

"With some discrepancies of numbers of flags and of 
aides, you will see that all accounts substantially agree. 

"Ever after I followed your father's career with interest. 
I sent to Brady and bought his photograph, which I still 
have, and also a lantern slide of the picture your sister owned 
of Grant and Hays [with horses] in Mexico. 

"I find that I grow prolix and have not said all I wish, so 
I'll start another sheet. 

"As a boy in the army I had a little literary taste, and 
kept some sort of a diary, beside writing home weekly letters 



Some Testimonials 665 



to my girl and to my mother, and I gathered photographs, 
views, etc., and sent them home. Also, twenty-five years 
later, during months of nervous illness, I got together four 
large quarto volumes of war diary — 1861, 1862, 1863 and 1864 
— carefully typewritten, illustrated with several hundred photos 
and views, military orders issued to me as an official, etc. 
Whether valuable to my descendants or not, they represent 
much labor, and as men look at things, much money. Your 
father, with photo, is referred to in the Gettysburg account, 
and also in the 1864 volume at the Battle of the Wilderness. 

"Many years ago I noted somewhere a letter written by 
your father the morning of the day he was killed. With a 
Yankee curiosity I queried over the quotation of poetry. I 
even wrote to Notes and Queries of the Boston 'Transcript,' 
which have more than a local reputation for solving and 
answering similar inquiries. I did not get a reply for over 
two years, and then, on May i, 1912, a lady wrote me that 
the lines were from 'The Siege of Corinth' [Byron], so I wrote 
the lady the circumstances, etc., of your father, quoting them 
almost forty-eight years before. It seemed very strange that 
I had not recognized them, for, though I could not claim to 
be a Byron student, I had, twenty years ago, extra illustrated 
and extended to five volumes, a copy of Byron, with three 
hundred and eighty-five extra plates, including those in 'The 
Siege of Corvallis.' 

"I recall vividly the day of your father's death, and the 
report as it came to us, a little later, to our point of the line. 
• «• • • * * * 

"The next day we were moved down to that same road, 
and May 7th started on towards Spottsylvania. I was over 
the same ground a few years ago and saw your father's monu- 
ment. 

"Yours truly, 

"William H. Warner, 
"Late Lieutenant 13th Massachusetts Volunteers." 

Lieut. Warner has forwarded Mr. Gilbert A. Hays a copy 
of the letter below written by Sergeant David Sloss of Com- 
pany B, 13th Massachusetts Volunteers, written from the 
field of Gettysburg: 

"Gettysburg Battlefield, July 5, 1863. 
"Dear Mother: 

"I wrote you a few lines about the first day's fight in 
which our corps was engaged, but could not get it off until 
yesterday, so I thought I might tell you some more about this 
battle, as it is ended now, the 'Rebs' having left last night. 



666 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



After getting out of the fight the first day we were brought 
back of the town to support batteries in the cemetery until 
the 2nd day of July, when just about dark the Johnnies tried 
to turn the left, and came very near being successful, but 
our division — eight hundred men — were brought to bear on 
them and had a good effect by our presence. As we went 
down the line everything looked like Bull Run, and 'Johnny 
Reb' was trying his best to make it one by his fierce shelling. 
The regiment ahead of us had seven men taken out by a solid 
shot. Caissons and artillery stood out in bold relief against 
the sky, without a horse or man near them. The remnants 
of regiments were taking off disabled guns, and everything 
looked blue for our side, but the Rebels had been severely 
punished as well, and they could not follow up their advan- 
tages. Our presence had been sufficient, so we went back to 
the graveyard and laid near the town road. After night their 
pickets were very troublesome, but, as we were behind a stone 
wall, they did us no damage. In the morning they commenced 
on the right, and had some very hot work with the Twelfth 
Corps. About noon they commenced a terrible cannonading, 
and swept the hill upon which the graveyard was, so that our 
safest place was right in front of our batteries, and their 
batteries played on us and their sharpshooters troubled us 
from the tops of the houses in the town. We lost two men 
by them. Added to this the sun came out terribly hot, and 
a lot of the division were affected by it. They commenced 
a charge about this time, and we were ordered under their fire 
to double-quick, and away we went around the hill to help the 
Second Corps. Colonel Coulter was hit, but not bad. He is 
in command of our brigade since Paul was shot.^ We just 
got in in time to see the 'Rebs' break. It was a glorious sight 
to see, even if the canister and shell were coming in thick, 
'old Hays,' as his boys call him, ride up and down the lines 
in our front, with a Rebel flag trailing on the ground. Such 
a wild hurrah I never heard, nor saw such a sight, and never 
expect to see it again. 

"We immediately threw out skirmishers to cover the field, 
but did not advance. We laid flat on our faces so that they 
could not trouble us. They tried to advance on our left after 
this, but succeeded no better, as our line was so short across 
that we could easily reinforce from left to right. 

"Dave." 



Colonel William E. Potter of the 12th New Jersey, who 
served on General Hays' staff, in his oration at the dedication 

1 Thirteen Massachusetts, First Brigade, Paul's; Second Divi- 
sion, Robinson's, of tlie First Corps. 



Some Testimonials 667 

of the regiment's battle monument on the field of Gettysburg, 
speaks of General Hays thus : 

"General Alexander Hays was a soldier worthy of being 
a lieutenant of Hancock. In an army of brave men he was 
distinguished for courage. Brusque sometimes in manner, he 
was a man of considerable culture, and a warm heart beat in 
his breast. His faculties seem to have been elevated and 
strengthened in the presence of danger, and I have heard him 
say that he felt this to be so. Not without some faults, he had 
shining virtues both as a soldier and a man." — "South Jersey- 
man," Salem, N. J., June ist, 1886. 

William H. Smith^ after the Gettysburg semi-centennial, 
receiving the pamphlet, "General Hays at Gettysburg," wrote 
Mr. Gilbert A. Hays as follows : 

"Marysville, Kan., July 2,^, 1913. 
"Mr. Gilbert A. Hays : 

"Dear Sir: — I was a soldier in Company D, 62nd Penn- 
sylvania Volunteer Infantry. I was severely wounded at the 
Battle of Malvern Hill, Va., July ist, 1862, and was left on 
the field when the army marched away to Harrison's Land- 
ing. 

"Suffering from my wound, tired, hungry and weak from 
loss of blood, I followed the army, making but a few steps 
between stops to rest. On the evening of July 4th I came in 
sight of the picket line, but was entirely exhausted and could 
not go any further. It had been raining, and I became stuck 
in the mud and fell down, and was not able to arise. If it 
had not been for your father I would have been there yet. 
He had been out along the picket line, and with his field 
glass discovered me. He rode out to where I was in the mire, 
and picked me up and put me on his horse, and carried me 
inside the lines and down to the landing, and put me on the 
Ocean Queen that was just ready to sail for New York. 

"To that act of his I owe my life. He was killed before 
any opportunity came to me to meet him again and acknowl- 
edge the debt. 

"You are a stranger to me and I a stranger to you, but 
I wanted you to know of this act of your father, because it 
is an evidence of the great heart of the man. He was the 
colonel of his regiment at the time, and could have detailed 

1 "William H. Smith was mustered in July 24, 1861, in Company 
D, 62nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; promoted to 
sergeant March 21, 1862, and was severely wounded at the Battle of 
Malvern Hill, Va., July 1st, 1862; never served under General Alex- 
ander Hays, and his tribute is all the greater for that reason. 



668 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



men to come to my relief, but he did not wait for that, he 
came promptly and alone, and performed the service himself. 
It was a rare thing for an officer of his rank to do, and I shall 
always feel very grateful to him for it. 

"Trusting that the relation of this incident may be of 
interest to you, and that it may help you to appreciate more 
and more the great heart of your father, I have thus written 
to you. 

"With grateful remembrance of him, and with kindest 
regards for you and for all who were near and dear to him, 
and all who are near and dear to you, his son, I subscribe 
myself, 

"Your friend, 

"W. H. Smith. 

"P. S. — I was born and raised at Eldersridge, Indiana 
county, Pa., went to Kansas in 1865, after the close of the 
war, and have resided there ever since." 

This correspondence speaks most eloquently the words 

of the private soldier : 

"Philadelphia, Pa., April 28, 1896. 
"Harry E. Woernlie, Esq., 

"15 Sheffield Street, 
"Allegheny, Pa. : 

"Dear Sir and Brother — While assisting Brother Server 
the past few months, I have had occasion several times to 
write the name of your council, and each time it has suggested 
the fondest recollections of that gallant and intrepid com- 
mander. General Alexander Hays. During the war I was a 
private in the 108th New York of the Third Division, Second 
Corps, and for more than a year General Hays commanded 
that division, and until General Grant assumed command of 
the Army of the Potomac in 1864, when General Hays re- 
turned to the command of his old brigade, and was killed on 
the evening of May 5th at the Wilderness. I can never forget 
his bravery at Gettysburg, where two horses were shot from 
under him, nor the charmed life he seemed to possess — 
always at the front, leading, not driving his men. I also re- 
member a remark he made to his wife while visiting him at 
the winter quarters in 1864; it was on his return from the 
battle of Morton's Ford, on the Rapidan, on February 6th, 
and she had been watching the battle from Stoney Mountain, 
and, naturally, was in a state of anxiety until his return, when 
he said, 'The Rebel bullet is not yet moulded that will kill 
me,' but in the ver}' beginning of the next fight, May 5th, he 
was killed. Allow me to say, Brother Woernlie, that councils 
of the O. U. A. M. may bear the name of the immortal Wash- 
ington and other illustrious names, but not one in the entire 



Some Testimonials 669 

order can have more reason to feel proud of the name you 
bear than your own council. 

"Will you kindly advise me if you can secure for me a 
good cabinet picture of General Hays and, if so, the cost, and 
I will remit you the amount? 

"Fraternally yours, 

"Charles S. Bailey, 

"Of No. 52." 

"Philadelphia, Pa., August loth, 1896. 
"Gilbert A. Hays, Esq., 
"Sewickley, Pa. : 

"My dear Sir: — The business of the office incidental to 
the beginning of the month, and the excessively hot weather, 
must be my excuse for not replying earlier to your kind favor 
of the 31st ult. I little thought that my note to Brother 
Woernlie would result in the gratification of receiving a letter 
from one of the sons of my old commander, and to receive one, 
also, from your brother a few days later, has fairly over- 
whelmed me. I hardly know why I wrote that letter. In my 
capacity as assistant to Brother Server some dealings are had 
with that council, and the name has invariably been suggestive 
to me of the few months when, during the war, I served in 
the division commanded by General Alexander Hays. I have 
attended but one reunion of my regiment [io8th New York], 
and very seldom visit my native place, Rochester, and, as you 
know, or perhaps you do not know, that here in Philadelphia 
no one did any fighting at Gettysburg except the Philadelphia 
Brigade [?], therefore, I have very seldom heard your father's 
name mentioned, and I must have been impressed with the 
idea that his name was as unhonored and unsung in Pitts- 
burgh and vicinity as here, and I simply could not refrain 
from congratulating General Hays' council upon selecting that 
name ; but, judging from the different societies that are named 
after him, I was 'carrying coals to New Castle.' I can assure 
you, however, that it is very gratifying to know that his name 
will go down to posterity at the head of so many patriotic 
societies organized for the preservation of the Union and flag 
for which he so nobly sacrificed his life. 

"I have read the paper sent me, and was particularly 
interested in the article contributed by the Buffalo cor- 
respondent, which is correct beyond a doubt; he only saw 
General Hays as others saw him, and to give you another 
pen picture of him as he appeared to us then, and of his actions 
which caused such a wonderful love and admiration as was had 
by our regiment for your father, I will state that he selected 
us for the sole purpose of supporting Battery I, ist U. S., com- 
manded by Lieutenant Woodruff. We were brought up 
close to the guns stationed along the crest of the beautiful 
grove of oak trees back of the Bryan house, only two of 



670 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



which now remain, the rest having been destroyed by the 
cannon-balls of the enemy. General Hays commanded the 
entire division, but it seems to me now as though he never 
left that battery but, riding his horse from one end to the 
other, spoke encouragingly, first to the artillerymen and then 
to the rest. 'Boys,' he says, 'I want to tell you something 
about this battery; this battery was formerly commanded by 
the Rebel general, Magruder, and when the war broke out 
he resigned command and took sides with the South ; but 
he says it is his battery, and he wants it, and is going to 
have it ; they tried to get it at Antietam and they will try 
here, and now I'll tell you, you are a little regiment, but 
I know you, and I have just picked you out to support the 
battery, and I want you to do so — don't let them have it;* 
and much more in the same strain. Well, of course, this 
sounded like tafTy to some of the boys, but the rest thought 
his praise had been merited, and, to make a long story short, 
the battery was not taken, but your father long knew his 
thoughts when, on the third day, with fifty-two horses dead 
and so many of the artillerymen killed and disabled, that our 
men carried ammunition and did all but load and fire the 
guns, the ammunition gave out and the men were compelled 
to haul the guns back, and the Rebels coming across the 
plain. He must have thought the situation looked blue from 
other causes than smoke. Happily the ammunition wagon 
was just then coming up the Taneytown Road, and the boys 
met it, got ammunition, dragged the guns back, and none 
too soon, for the enemy were in close proximity to our lines — 
not one division of the three brigades, but two divisions of 
six brigades against one brigade of the Blue Division — 14th 
Connecticut next to the Bloody Angle — then the little ist 
Delaware, then the 12th New Jersey, with buck and ball 
between Bryan's house and barn, and then the io8th New 
York behind Woodruff's Battery ; not a Rebel set foot inside 
our lines but as a prisoner, and no stone wall for our pro- 
tection, either, as was the case with the Philadelphia Brigade 
who allowed the Rebels to get through. I do not care to 
speak disparagingly of other troops, but, as before stated, 
here in this town that one brigade did it all, but I believe 
that the blue trefoil division comprised one of the best 
divisions in the army, and did not have a Philadelphia 
regiment in it, nor any Pennsylvania regiments for that 
matter — the only one in the Army of the Potomac. After 
all, fighting qualities of this or that brigade are of small 
matter, as so much depends upon being properly officered ; 
and, as for the bravery displayed by the Union troops at 
Gettysburg, it should never be questioned ; it is one thing 
to be massed behind stone walls and guns, but another thing 
entirely to march over a mile of unbroken fields in the face 



Some Testimonials 671 



of a hundred guns — 'e'en up to the cannon's mouth,' and 
drive the enemy from behind those walls. 

"But I am afraid this letter will get tiresome, but you 
probably know how old soldiers are when they get to fighting 
battles over again ; it is so much pleasanter now than then, 
they do not know when to stop. 

"I would like to inquire if your mother is still living and, 
if so, would she care to be remembered by one of her hus- 
band's command. Please convey to her my kindest regards. 
I think I mentioned her in my letter to Brother Woernlie in 
connection with the incident of Morton's Ford. One Henry 
Nightingale, a member of my regiment, and an old school- 
mate, was an orderly for your father at that time, and my 
associations with him, perhaps, enabled me to know more of 
your father's civil side than some others. I remember one 
characteristic of your father — a private could always get a 
hearing and redress for grievances if he had any ; so also 
with General French ['Blinky,' as he was sometimes irrever- 
ently called], while line officers never fared so well — this in 
itself would cause an universal respect among the rank and 
file. 

"As regards a cabinet of your father, I should dearly love 
to have one, more especially for my family, and to show my 
friends that they may see a representation of the hero I talk 
about. But for myself, I want no better picture of him than 
the one so indelibly stamped on my mind as I saw him at 
Gettysburg on July 3rd as he sat upon his horse white with 
foam, and, notwithstanding his exposed position, watched his 
own and the enemy's troops, fearless even of life. 

"Your sincere friend, 

"Charles S. Bailey." 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

IMMORTELLES 

MRS. ANNIE McFADDEN HAYS survived her 
husband many years. The government paid her 
the usual pension allowed in such cases [thirty 
dollars per month, which was later increased to fifty dollars]. 
She saw her little family grow to maturity, and grandchildren 
surround her, and much beloved passed away from the scenes 
of a happy life — happy before war came in 1861, as the 
obituaries below attest. 

Mrs. Hays could justly appreciate the beautiful senti- 
ment of the lines below written by Mrs. General C. J. Dicker- 
son of Hillsdale, Mich., in a letter to General Negley announc- 
ing the death of her husband and daughter, and why an invi- 
tation to attend the seventh reunion of the Army of the 
Cumberland at Pittsburgh, September 17th and i8th, 1873, 
was not accepted : 

"As you pledge each other with wine, and grow merry 
and brim over with pleasure ; as you clasp each others' hands, 
and congratulations pass that you meet again, silently and 
reverently remember those whose song of patriotism is left 
unchanted, over whom laurels twine, and grief deepens in 
vain. 

"The grass is green over your comrade." 

When Mrs. Hays' end came the grass had been green on 
the general's grave for twenty-six years. 

Daily papers of June 3, 1890, and the day following, con- 
tained the subjoined notices : 

DIED 

HAYS — On Monday, June 2, 1890, at 10:15 P. M., at her 
residence, Sewickley, Annie A., widow of General Alex- 
ander Hays, and daughter of the late John B. McFadden. 

Funeral services at St. Stephen's Church, Sewickley, on 
Thursday morning, June 5, 1890, at 11 o'clock. Interment 
private. Train leaves Allegheny at 10 o'clock A. M., return- 
ing leaves Sewickley at 12:18 P. M. 

672 



Immortelles 673 



"A woman of exceptional ability, force of character and 
possessed of rare mental gifts, passed away, when, at Sewick- 
ley, Monday evening, June 2, Mrs. Annie A. Hays, widow of 
General Alexander Hays, closed her eyes in her last sleep. 
Very few women have passed lives so identified with the social 
life in Pittsburgh during the past fifty years as was that of 
the subject of this brief tribute. She was the daughter of the 
late John B. McFadden, and in her earlier life was a leading 
belle of this city. In 1846 she became the wife of Alexander 
Hays, and as the wife of a brave soldier was conspicuous 
during the dark days of the war among the women of the 
time. The death of her gallant husband left Mrs. Hays a 
widow in 1864 with seven children. To the welfare of these 
she devoted the best years of her life, and passed away, leav- 
ing the deepest sorrow in a wide circle of relatives and friends. 
Her devotion to her church — the Episcopal — was a character- 
istic of the deceased, while in all charitable deeds she took a 
lively interest. Her surviving children are Mrs. George 
Gormly, Alden F. Hays, Mrs. John S. Sullivan [of Jefferson 
City, Mo.], Gilbert A. Hays, Mrs. Martha A. Black, A. Pear- 
son Hays and James M. Hays. Her brother, James B. Mc- 
Fadden, and her sister, Mrs. George W. Murphy, also survive 
her. The funeral of this lamented woman took place on 
Thursday, and services were held at St, Stephen's Episcopal 
Church, Sewickley. The pallbearers were eight members of 
General Hays' regiment, the 63rd Pennsylvania." 

Mr. Hepburn Johns, an editorial writer on the Pittsburgh 
"Dispatch," wrote the obituary below: 

"ANNIE A. HAYS 



The Great Soldier's Widow Ends a Life of 
Good Works and Brave. 

"Mrs. Annie A. Hays, widow of General Alexander Hays, 
died on Monday at 10:15 P- M. at her home in Sewickley, as 
stated in the 'Dispatch' yesterday. Since last October Mrs. 
Hays had not left her room, yet her death was a surprise to 
many ; so often had her indomitable will triumphed over the 
attacks which had made her an invalid since 1877. It was 
hoped that she might conquer again. It was not to be, how- 
ever, and on Monday evening she passed away. 

"Mrs. Hays was the daughter of John B. McFadden, a 
prominent man in Pittsburgh's young days. She was born 
in Pittsburgh, March 15, 1826. In her girlhood she was a 
noted belle, of whose beauty and wit reports have come down 
to this generation. She married Alexander Hays on February 
19, 1846. Of him there is hardly need to speak; his brilliant 



674 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



career as a soldier is known to everybody in Pittsburgh. Mrs. 
Hays accompanied her husband during the war whenever it 
was possible, passing the winters of 1861, 1862 and 1863 with 
him in the camp of the Army of the Potomac. General Hays 
was killed in the sanguinary contest in the Wilderness, May 5, 
1864, and his widow was left to face the world with seven 
children. She did face the world with the courage of a lion. 
Her life until her health finally broke, thirteen years ago, was 
devoted entirely to them, and even as an invalid she was un- 
remitting in her care of them. 
• «**** * * 

"Mrs. Hays possessed wonderful mental gifts, and a 
dignity and graciousness, a courtly manner and readiness of 
wit that won her friends and admirers everywhere. Unques- 
tionably she was the ablest woman of affairs, even in her sick 
room, that the writer has ever met. Her reading was large 
and various ; her taste catholic. There was nothing she liked 
better than the study of men, and her judgment of them and 
the events which made them prominent showed remarkable 
discernment. She spoke French fluently, and everyone who has 
enjoyed her society knows with what skill she used her mother 
tongue. Beside possessing these great gifts and acquirements 
Mrs. Hays was big-hearted, courageous to the verge of hero- 
ism, patient and gentle, and a warm lover of her family and 
friends. Of the latter she had very many in Pittsburgh, in 
all parts of this country, and even in remote corners of the 
world. There seemed to be something in her of a magnetic 
quality which bound men and women to her; once admitted 
to her friendship there could be no leaving it. So her death 
comes as a grievous blow to hundreds who knew her simply 
as a friend not often seen. To those near her the loss is irre- 
parable. 

"The funeral services will take place in St. Stephen's 
Episcopal Church, Sewickley, at 11 A. M. Thursday, June 5. 
Mrs. Hays was a sturdy member of St. Stephen's congrega- 
tion. Proceeding to Pittsburgh by the 12:18 train from 
Sewickley, the burial will follow in the Allegheny Cemetery, 
in the plot where General Alexander Hays now lies." 



"Miss Rachel McFadden. 

Miss Rachel McFadden, to whom General Hays wrote 
many letters from the front, and who visited his camp at 
Stevensburg, Va., did not long survive her illustrious brother- 
in-law. In the homely but well-understood phrase, she liter- 
ally wore herself out in the service of love — love of the 
soldier, our common country, the flag and its defenders. The 



Immortelles 675 

editorial tributes from the Pittsburgh papers tell in brief but 
reverential words the pathetic story of her heroism and 
sacrifices : 

"The death of Miss Rachel McFadden takes from our 
midst one whose virtues and whose works call for more than 
a mere conventional notice of the event. When the Pitts- 
burgh Sanitary Committee organized a branch of the United 
States Sanitary Commission, in January, 1863, they selected 
Miss McFadden — whose zeal in behalf of the soldiers had 
already been manifested — to act as first directress of the 
ladies' branch. The position was one which required ability, 
perseverance and the spirit of true patriotism and self-sacrifice. 
Miss McFadden threw herself into the work of organizing, 
and, aided by hearts and hands like to her own, the depot on 
Fourth street soon began to pour forth a broad stream of help 
for the sick and wounded soldiers, which continued to increase 
in volume until the end of the war. The packages of sanitary 
stores sent from Pittsburgh were always so thoughtfully 
selected and skillfully arranged as to call forth more than the 
ordinary gratitude and commendation from their recipients, 
and made Miss McFadden's name a familiar and welcome 
sound in the hospitals at which they were received. 

"When the Pittsburgh Sanitary Fair was being organized, 
the noble women with whom she was associated elected her 
to the presidency of the Ladies' Executive Committee. How 
efficiently she ministered to the success of the fair is fresh in 
the memory of all. 

"Miss McFadden's labors in behalf of the sick and 
wounded soldiers were incessant. Social enjoyment, personal 
comfort and the requirements of health were all secondary 
to the absorbing object; and when respite from work came at 
the end of the war, it found her with an impaired constitu- 
tion as the result of the excitements and labors through which 
she had passed. 

"Her faithfulness of purpose and life — her executive 
ability in labors of love — her genial and loving character, and 
her many Christian virtues, will cause her to be mourned by 
many friends. But besides these, there are hundreds of 
soldiers who will remember the kindly sympathy and substan- 
tial help given by her to the passing soldier in his need. No 
soldier was ever turned away by her unaided, and no soldier's 
wife ever failed to receive such help as was in her power to 
give." — Pittsburgh Commercial, June 12, 1867. 

"This entire community will be pained to learn that Miss 
Rachel McFadden is no more. She died at the residence of 
her father, John B. McFadden, Esq., on Saturday morning 
last. Among the many ladies of this community who evinced 
self-sacrificing devotion to the relief and comfort of the 



676 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 

national soldiery, during the war, no one was more wholly 
given up or labored more judiciously and unceasingly than 
she did, or was more distinguished for superb energy and 
administrative ability. Thousands of soldiers will carry to 
their graves grateful memories of benefits and blessings re- 
ceived through her zealous efforts, and will lament with heart- 
felt emotions her untimely death as that of a dear friend. 

"In society Miss McFadden was everywhere admired and 
loved for her lively and genial disposition and temper. Equally 
a favorite with old and young, rich and poor, her memory will 
linger sweetly in the hearts of all who knew her." — Pittsburgh 
Gazette, June 12, 1867. 

John B. McFadden, the honored and much-loved father- 
in-law of General Alexander Hays, passed away suddenly. 
May 10, 1880, full of years and deeply lamented, his wife sur- 
viving a few years. The newspapers of Pittsburgh published 
feeling obituaries, and even noted his demise editorially. Wit- 
ness the following: 

"OBITUARY 



Demise of Mr. John B. McFadden From Paralysis. 

"Many of our old citizens, and in fact the entire com- 
munity, will receive with sincere sorrow the announcement 
of the demise of Mr. John B. McFadden, whose life was ended 
at an early hour this morning, after a brief illness. As one 
of the most enterprising jewelers of the city, conducting the 
business with success for upward of half a century, he was 
widely known and highly esteemed for straightforwardness 
and strict integrity. In later years he was engaged in the 
insurance business, and was brought more directly in contact 
with the mercantile community, in which he was regarded as 
among the most honorable of men. He was born in Ireland, 
April 15, 1800, and came to Washington, Pa., with his parents 
when only three years of age. He was in his eighty-first year, 
and up to Saturday appeared to be in the enjoyment of his 
usual health. He was at his office on Friday. He suffered 
a stroke of paralysis, the effects of which was his death this 
morning at the family residence on Fourth street. He learned 
the watch-making business with Mr. Reed, father of the 
Messrs. Reed, jewelers, on Market street, having located in 
Pittsburgh in 1823. He quit the jewelry business in 1859, 
when he engaged in the insurance business, to which he has 
since devoted his attention. His memory was keen, and he 
possessed an extensive fund of information relative to Pitts- 
burgh in its earlier days and the citizens of sixty and seventy 
years ago. Indeed, when searching for old-time facts and 
history, Mr. McFadden was almost always called upon for 



Immortelles 677 

information, and the applicant was seldom disappointed. Al- 
though quite prominent in business circles, he never held any 
public position, but was connected with several moneyed in- 
stitutions—notably the Dollar Savings Bank. He was a 
member of the Presbyterian Church, and upright and pure in 
all the relations of life. His wife, now in her eighty-third 
year, and four children survive him. The latter are Mrs. 
General Alexander Hays, Mr. James B. McFadden, fire 
marshal; Mrs. George W. Murphy and Mrs. Joseph Bushnell 
of Titusville. Miss Rachel McFadden, another daughter, died 
some years ago. Her memory will ever be cherished by the 
soldiers, for whom she manifested such deep interest during 
the late Civil War, and subsequently during the Sanitary 
Fair, in which undertaking she labored assiduously to procure 
funds for the furtherance of that movement." — Pittsburgh 
Chronicle, May lo, 1880. 

"In the death of Mr. John B. McFadden Pittsburgh loses 
one of its oldest and most widely-respected citizens. Mr. 
McFadden had a notably active and inquisitive mind, prompt 
to sympathize with those who pursue knowledge in the most 
diverse paths, while his own taste and habits of thought and 
reading led him to take particular interest in local history. He 
might be justly described as one of the few antiquarians of 
this section, and by reason of his tenacious memory and alert 
attention he had become a living lexicon of facts of greater or 
less interest pertaining to the older generations of the popu- 
lation of these cities."— Pittsburgh Times. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

CONCLUSION 

NOW that the reader has reached these pages, let him 
not smile and say the editors have been ever mindful 
of the adage, "Nil mortuis nisi bonum." Alexander 
Hays was endued with our common humanity. There has 
been no occasion and no intention to divest it and no desire 
to deify. In the plain language of General Watrous, the 
simplest story of Alexander Hays' life is the best story. As 
indicated in the introduction, the general has been followed 
through an exciting and adventurous career — through two 
wars — one of the greatest in history^ — and his deeds and his 
thoughts have been given publicity in these pages. His own 
words tell the feelings of his heart, and often under the many 
and diverse phases of active warfare. Others who have been 
close to him have written and spoken of him, and their words 
of love and regard have been given place also. Alexander 
Hays' life was not a long one. It was a most eventful one, 
and who shall say that it was not glorious? 

"He drew the sword, but knew its rage to charm, 
And loved peace best when he was forced to arm." 

In the lapse of years the memory of Alexander Hays has 
but brightened. His superb manhood, his commanding 
presence, his dashing leadership, his utter fearlessness, the 
inspiration of the man, and the general in memory's stirring 
reviews, come trooping past in striking realism, vivid even 
among the shadowy vistas of the five decades that have in- 
tervened. Such an individuality cannot soon pass away. 

Alexander Hays was an affectionate husband and father. 
He was most loyal in allegiance to country, home and friends. 
We hear him sigh in our country's darkest hour, but he sighed 
only in sorrow and anxiety. He saw men die almost daily. 
He knew his own end was ever imminent. He saw his friends, 

1 Up to the time this Chapter was written. 

678 



Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 679 

his loving, obedient subordinates, the humble privates even 
he had trained and drilled and loved — all these he saw 
stricken in the battle crash and the mortal combat. What 
more pathetic than his story of the suffering, dying Boisol, 
and the grief of the brave soldier's devoted young wife and 
orphaned little son? Gallant, noble Boisol! a lingering 
agony, a fortnight of torture, and then grief and tears for 
those who loved him. Likewise Willard—Sherrill— Wood- 
ruff— Gushing— who died but to make the glory of the old 
Third Division and the Second Gorps more glorious and 
Gettysburg more decisive. Shall we pass by Kearney, the 
knightliest soldier that ever drew an American sword, who 
honored and revered Alexander Hays as Alexander Hays did 
him? Shall we forget Jameson, who early perished by the 
fell hand of disease — Berry, who sank in the heroic struggle 
to hold the wavering lines at Ghancellorsville? Shall we 
forget the dear boys of the old 63rd Pennsylvania— Kirk- 
wood, McGranahan, Maynard, Ghapman, Lysle, Fulton?— for 
all these and all the fallen brave there came into the gentle 
heart of Alexander Hays the tremor of grief and the sadness 
of that longing that comes for the departed, and in the irony 
of the battle fate, let us lift the years and see the heroic Major 
McGullough in command of the old regiment, looking upon 
the dead face of his old colonel and its open ghastly wound, 
and drawing his hand across his brow to stop the oncoming 
tears— and let us see the boys of the 63rd— those who were 
left— the very next day look upon the slain McGullough who 
fell in the same battle line as their brigade commander in 
the most awful battle in history— in the Wilderness of 
Virginia— such is the pathos of war— such is but part of the 
price of peace— such the deeds that have made and continued 
our country a nation. 

It is well to draw now the concluding words. Any 
painter will tell you to beware of an excess of color; a proper 
blending, a nicety of shade, a master touch here and there, a 
lifelike cast of feature and expression, and the painting is 
finished or the portrait complete. So, too, a plethora of words 
may spoil the ensemble of even a biography. The recital here 
is sincere. It seems complete. It is sufficient. 

When the last gasp of the dying Lincoln had passed so 
quickly away in the bedchamber where they who loved our 



680 Conclusion 

great President were watching, awaiting his dissolution in 
gaunt and silent awe, in the hush, in the anguish of that 
moment, it was Edwin M, Stanton who broke the stillness: 
"Now, he belongs to the ages." 

Anyone who has lived for the right — who has died for 
the right — belongs to the ages — "the eternal years of God are 
his." Alexander Hays, too, belongs to the ages. Too oft 
had he heard — 

"The death shot hissing from afar, 
The shock, the shout, the groan of war." 

And he passed to the keeping of the ages from where — 
"Death spoke in every booming shot that knelled upon the ear." 

One can appropriately conclude with the sombre lines 
that grace the title page hereto, and the remainder of that 
beautiful stanza of John E. Barrett: 

"Above the dust of the beloved dead, 

Who passed to immortality this way, 
We bare our heads and reverently tread, 

And tenderly our heartfelt homage pay. 
The days were dark when duty called him hence, 

And darker passions clouded all the land. 
But we who live behold their recompense — 

A nation grander than its founders planned." 



THE END 



Appendix 681 



APPENDIX A 



SAMUEL HAYS' BIOGRAPHY 

Samuel Hays, father of General Alexander Hays, was born in 
County Donegal, Ireland, September 10, 1783. With his mother he 
emigrated to the United States at the early age of nine, in 1792, and 
located in Venango county, Pennsylvania, where his mother, Eleanor 
Hays, died in 1822. Samuel Hays was for a long series of years 
regarded as one of the most popular, prominent and successful 
citizens of this section of the state. In 1808 he was treasurer of 
Venango county, and was four times elected sheriff of the county — 
in 1808, 1820, 1829 and 1833; served four terms in the House of 
Representative of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania — 1813, 
1816, 1823 and 1825; two terms as state senator — 1822 and 1839; 
and was elected to Congress in 1842. In 1856 he was chosen 
associate judge of Venango county, and received the appointment of 
marshal of the Western District of Pennsylvania in 1847 from 
President Polk. He also held several minor offices and positions of 
emolument and trust within the gift of his fellow-citizens, and 
served as brigadier general, commanding the First Brigade, Seven- 
teenth Division, of the state militia, from 1841 to 1843. 

Samuel Hays was identified with the Presbyterian Church, and 
was one of the founders and most liberal contributors to the erection 
of the first church edifice in Franklin. 

He was also a member of the board of trustees of Allegheny 
College, Meadville, Pa., from 1837 to 1861, which famous educa- 
tional institution Alexander Hays attended nearly four years, and 
also from its walls graduated several of Samuel Hays' sons. 

He was for many years prominent in the Masonic fraternity, 
having been initiated by dispensation into Pennsylvania Lodge 
No. 21, Free and Accepted Masons, at Harrisburg, Pa., January 29, 
1814. He was also a charter member of Myrtle Lodge No. 316, 
F. & A. M., of Franklin, Pa., instituted February 22, 1858. 

Samuel Hays was married March 30, 1809, to Agnes, second 
daughter of John and Barbara Broadfoot, to whom were born six 
children, viz.: Eleanor, John Broadfoot, David Brown, Samuel B., 
Alexander [subject of this memoir] and James P. Agnes, his first 
wife, died in November, 1839. 

Samuel Hays died at his home in Franklin, July 1, 1868, in 
the eighty-fifth year of his age, and was first interred in the old 
town graveyard. On May 7, 1892, his dust, with that of his first 
wife, Agnes, was reinterred in the new Franklin Cemetery. 

The Broadfoot family in Western Pennsylvania in the early 
part of the last century was very numerous and proud of its descent 
from an eminent Scottish ancestry. The family name in the old 
country is chiefly known and localized In Wigtonshire, although it 
is frequently met with in other portions of Scotland, in the form 
of "Bradfute" and "Braidfute." One of the name, Gulielienies 
Braidfute, entered the University of St. Andrews the same year and 
time as the celebrated Andrew Melville in 1559. Tradition connects 
Sir William Wallace with Marion Broadfoot of Farmington, and 
after their marriage her slaughter by the English for assisting him 
to escape; also with the Kerlies and Cruggleston Castle. For cen- 
turies the different branches of the family have lived near and been 
buried in the "Auld Kirk of Cruggleston," and it Is claimed that 
one of the number was with Sir William Wallace when he took the 
Castle of Cruggleston and settled in the neighborhood. 



682 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



APPENDIX B 

OFFICERS OF THE UNITED STATES MILITAEY ACADEMY 

1840-1844 

Inspector. 

Term Began. 
1 Colonel Joseph G. Totten, Dec. 7, 1838. 

Superintendent. 
1 Major Richard Delafield, Sept. 1, 1838, to Aug. 15, 1845. 

mnTARY STAFF 

Adjutants. 

1 1st Lieut. George G. Waggaman, Feb. 17, 1839. 

2 1st Lieut. Joseph Hooker, July 1, 1841. 
2 2nd Lieut. Irwin McDowell, 

1 Corps of engineers. 2 Artillery.Nov. 11, 1841, to Oct. 8, 1845. 

Quartemiasters. 

2 2nd Lieut. Henry Swartout, May 18, 1837. 

3 1st Lieut. Isaac S. K. Reeves, Sept. 1, 1842. 

3 2nd Lieut. Henry C. Wayne, July 1, 1843. 

Chief Medical Officers. 
6 Surgeon Walter W. Wheaton, Nov. 10, 1826. 

Assistant Medical Officers. 

6 Asst. Surgeon Joseph K. Barnes, July 10, 1840. 

Asst. Surgeon Charles M. Hitchcock, Dec. 14, 1840. 

Treasurers. 

1 2nd Lieut. Thomas L Leslie, Oct. 31, 1816. 

4 Major Charles Davies, Dec. 11, 1841. 

DEPARTMENT OF TACTICS 

Commandant of Cadets. 
3 1st Lieut. Charles F. Smith, April 1, 1838. 

3 1st Lieut. J. Addison Thomas, Sept. 1, 1842. 

Instructors of Infantry. 

3 1st Lieut. Charles F. Smith, April 1, 1838. 

3 1st Lieut. J. Addison Thomas, Sept. 1, 1842. 

Assistant Instructors of Infantry. 

2 1st Lieut. Joseph H. Eaton, Feb. 17, 1839, to June 20, 1843. 
2 1st Lieut. Thomas Johns. June 24,1839, to Nov. 12, 1839. 
2 1st Lieut. Bradford R. Alden, Feb. 17, 1840. to Sept. 14,1841. 
8 1st Lieut. William G. Freeman, Feb. 18, 1840, to Aug. 6, 1841. 
6 1st Lieut. William N. Grier, Sept. 14, 1840, to June 20,1841. 

6 Dragoons (transferred to Adjutant). 

1 Not a graduate of the academy. 2 Infantry. 3 Artillery. ♦ Staff 
paymasters' department, s Corps of engineers. ^ Dragoons. 



Appendix 683 



2 Znd Lieut. Garrett Barry, June 20, 1841, to Sept. 30, 1842. 

3 2nd Lieut. Lucius H. Alden, Aug. 6, 1841, to Aug. 31, 1844. 
3 2nd Lieut. Irwin McDowell, Sept. 4, 1841, to Nov. 11, 1841. 
3 1st Lieut. Henry C. Wayne, Dec. 12, 1841, to July 1, 1843. 

(Transferred to quartermaster) 

8 1st Lieut. Edward J. Steptoe, Sept. 30, 1842, to July 5, 1843. 

3 1st Lieut. Henry S. Burton, June 16, 1843, to Dec. 6, 1845. 

3 2nd Lieut. Robert S. Garnett, July 5, 1843, to Oct. 17, 1844. 

2 1st Lieut. Robert S. Granger, July 6, 1843, to Aug. 18, 1844. 

Note: Granger, followed by 2nd Lieut. Allen H. Norton to his 
death, November, 1846. 

Instructors of Artillery. 

3 1st Lieut. Miner Knowlton, Nov. 9, 1837. 

Assistant Instructors of Artillery. 
3 1st Lieut. William G. Freeman, Feb. 8, 1840. 

3 2nd Lieut. Lucius H. Allen, Aug. 6, 1841. 

3 2nd Lieut. Henry C. Wayne, Dec. 12, 1841. 

(Transferred to quartermaster) 

Instructors of Cavalry. 
8 1st Lieut. Miner Knowlton, Nov. 9,1837. 

(First incumbent) 

Assistant Instructors of Cavalry. 
« 1st Lieut. William N. Grier, Sept. 14, 1840. 

3 2nd Lieut. Henry C. Wayne, Dec. 12,1841. 

Riding Masters. 
B James McAuley, June 11, 1839. 

5 Frank B. Hershberger, Jan. 6, 1842. 

5 Not graduates of the academy. 



DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND MILITARY ENGINEERS 
1 2nd Lieut. Dennis H. Mahan, Jan. 1, 1832. 

Principal Assistant Professors. 
1 1st Lieut. Jeremiah M. Scarritt, Sept. 1, 1839. 

1 2nd Lieut. Robert Q. Butler, Sept. 1, 1841. 

(Died April 3, 1843) 
1 2nd Lieut. Zealous B. Tower, April 4, 1843. 

1 2nd Lieut. Horatio G. Wright, Aug. 29, 1843. 

Assistant Professors. 

1 2nd Lieut. Robert Q. Butler, Sept. 2, 1840. 

(Transferred, see above) 
1 2nd Lieut. Paul O. Hebert, Aug. 30, 1841, to July 21, 1842. 

1 2nd Lieut. Zealous B. Tower, Aug. 31, 1842, to April 4, 1843. 

(Transferred, see above) 

1 2nd Lieut. Horatio G. Wright, Jan. 20, 1843, to Aug. 29, 1843. 

(Transferred, see above) 

1 2nd Lieut. William S. Rosecrans, Sept. 8, 1843, to Aug. 28, 1844. 
1 2nd Lieut. John Newton, Oct. 18, 1843, to Aug. 31, 1844. 

1 Corps of engineers. 



684 Life and Letters of General AlexanderH ays 

DEPARTMENT OF PRACTICAL ENGINEERING 

Instructors. 

1 Capt. Alexander J. Swift, June 30, 1841. 

Assistant Instructors. 
(None until 1852) 

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND EXPERIMENTAL 
PHILOSOPHY 

Professor. 

1 2nd Lieut. William H. C. Bartlett, From April 20, 1836. 

Principal Assistant Professor. 
3 1st Lieut. Joseph Roberts, Sept. 1, 1832, to Aug. 17, 1849. 

Assistant Professors. 
3 2nd Lieut. Thomas L. Ringgold, Aug. 28, 1839, t July 19, 1841. 

3 2nd Lieut. William Gilham, Sept. 1, 1841, to Aug. 31, 1844. 

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS 

Professor. 
3 1st Lieut. Albert E. Church, March 13, 1838. 

Principal Assistant Professors. 
3 1st Lieut. Alexander E. Shiras, Jan. 4, 1840, to Aug. 29, 1843. 

3 1st Lieut. Israel Vogdes, Aug. 29, 1843. 

Assistant Professors. 

3 1st Lieut. John M. Harvie, Feb. 4, 1840, to Jan. 25, 1841. 

3 2nd Lieut. Thomas Williams, March 1, 1840, to June 26, 1841 

3 1st Lieut. Isaac V. K. Reeves, Jan. 20. 1841, to Sept. 1, 1842. 

(Transferred to Assistant Professor Geography, etc.) 

2 Brevet Capt. William K. Hanson, Nov. 15, 1841, to July 21, 1844. 

3 2nd Lieut. Stewart Van Vliet, Sept. 20, 1841, to Nov. 15, 1841. 
3 2nd Lieut. Francis N. Clarke, Sept. 27, 1841. 

3 1st Lieut. George Taylor, April 4, 1842, to Aug. 31, 1843. 

3 1st Lieut. William R. Blair, Aug. 31, 1842, to Aug. 31, 1843. 

3 2nd Lieut. Albion P. Howe, Aug. 29, 1843, to June 1, 1846. 

3 2nd Lieut. Harvey A. Allen, Aug. 29, 1843, to Aug. 29, 1845. 

3 2nd Lieut. Alexander P. Stewart, Aug. 29, 1843, to Aug. 29, 1845. 

DEPARTMENT OF DRAWING 

Teacher. 

5 Robert W. Wier, May 8, 1834, to Aug. 8, 1846. 

(Professor from August 8, 1846) 

Assistant Teacher. 
2 2nd Lieut. Richard S. Smith, Feb. 20, 1840, to Aug. 8, 1846. 

(Assistant Professor August 8, 1846) 
3 Artillery, i Corps of engineers. 
5 Not a graduate of the academy. 



Appendix 685 

Principal Assistant Professor. 
(None to 1852) 

DEPARTMENT OF SPANISH 
(None to 1857) 

DEPARTMENT OF FRENCH 

First Teacher. 

5 Claudius Berard, From Jan. 3, 1815. 

(Transferred to Professor August 3, 1844) 

Second Teacher. 
5 Hyacinth R. Agnel, Feb. 4, 1840. 

Assistant Teachers. 
5 T. D'Oremieulx, From Aug. 28, 1839, to Aug. 8, 

1846. 
1 2nd Lieut. Horatio G. Wright, From Agu. 31, 1842, to Jan. 20, 

1843. 
(No Professor until 1846) 

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY, HISTORY AND ETHICS 

5 Rev. Jasper Adams, Sept. 1, 1838, to Nov. 15, 1840. 

5 Chaplain, Rev. Martin P. Parks, Dec. 5, 1840, to Dec. 31, 1846. 

Principal Assistant Professors. 
3 1st Lieut. J. Addison Thomas, July 21, 1840, to Dec. 31, 1846 

5 2nd Lieut. E. Parker Scammon, Sept. 26, 1841, to July 13, 1846. 

5 Not a graduate of the academy. 

Assistant Professors. 

3 1st Lieut. Isaac V. K. Reeves, Oct. 27, 1840, to Jan. 20, 1841. 

(Transferred, see Page 684.) 

Assistant Professors Geography, History and Ethics. 
1 2nd Lieut. E. Parker Scammon, Aug. 30, 1841, to Sept. 26, 1841 

(Transferred, see above) 
3 1st Lieut. Isaac V. K. Reeves, Sept. 1, 1842, to July 1, 1843. 

3 Brevet 2nd Lieut. R. W. Johnson, Aug. 30, 1843, to Aug. 31, 1844. 

DEPARTMENT OF SMALL ARMS AND MILITARY GYMNASTICS 

(None to February 28, 1858) 

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY, MINERALOGY AND GEOLOGY 

Professor. 
3 1st Lieut. Jacob W. Bailey, July 8, 1838. 

Principal Assistant Professor. 
3 1st Lieut. Henry L. Kendrick, July 8, 1838, to Jan. 18, 1847. 



686 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



Assistant Professors. 

Bailey and Kendrick promoted. No incumbent in interim 

until October, 1844. 

DEPARTMENT OF ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY 

(None to February 27, 1857) 



APPENDIX C. 



ROSTER OF WEST POINT GRADUATES DURING ALEXANDER 
HAYS' FOUR YEARS THERE 

Explanation: d, died before Civil War; C, Confederate; k-c, 
killed in Civil War; k-M, killed in Mexico; r, resigned before Civil 
War; no Civil War record; R, retired; D, dismissed. 



Class of 1841. 



1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 
15. 
16. 
17. 
18. 
19. 
20. 
21. 
22. 
23. 
24. 
25. 
26. 



1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 



Zealous B. Tower 27. 

Horatio G. Wright 28. 

Massilon Harrison (d) 29. 

Smith Stansbury (r) 30. 

Amiel W. Whipple (k-c) 31. 

Josias Gorgas (C) 32. 

Thomas J. Rodman 33. 

Albion P. Howe 34. 

Phillip W. McDonald (d) 35. 

George W. Ayers (k-M) 36. 

Nathaniel Lyon (k-c) 37. 

Joseph F. Irons (k-M) 38. 

Leonidas Jenkins (d) 39. 

John Love 40. 

Harvey A. Allen 41. 

Julius P. Garesche (k-c) 42. 

Sewall L. Fremont (r) 43. 

Samuel S. Anderson (C) 44. 

Samuel Jones (C) 45. 

Simon S. Fahnestock (r) 46. 

Richard P. Hammond (r) 47. 

Joseph B. Plummer 48. 

John M. Brannan 49. 

Schuyler Hamilton 50. 

James Totten 51. 

John F. Reynolds (k-c) 52. 



Robert S. Garnett (C, k-c) 
Robert B. Parker (d) 
Robert B. Garnett (C, k-c) 
Richard H. Bacot (d) 
Claudius W. Sears (C) 
Don Carlos Buell 
John G. Burbank (k-M) 
Alfred Sully 
Franklin F. Flint 
John Beardsley 
Patrick Calhoun 
Israel B. Richardson (k-c) 
John M. Jones (C, k-c) 
Andrew W. Bowman 
Edward Murray (C) 
Francis N. Page (d) 
Anderson D. Nelson 
Benjamin A. Berry (d) 
Alexander C. H. Darne (r) 
William T. H. Brooks 
Elias K. Kane (d) 
Levi Gantt (k-M) 
Mortimer Rosecrants (d) 
Rudolph F. Ernst (k-M) 
Abraham Buford (C) 
Charles F. Morris (k-M) 



Class of 1842. 



Henry L. Eustis 
John Newton 
George W. Rains (C) 
John D. Kurtz 
William S. Rosecrantz 
Theodore T. S. Laidley 
Barton S. Alexander 
Gustavus W. Smith (C) 
Mansfield Lovell (C) 
Calvin Benjamin (k-M) 
James B. Benton 
Alexander P. Stewart (C) 
Edward G. Beckwith 



14. Henry W. Whiting (d) 

15. Isaac Bowen (d) 

16. Martin L. Smith (C) 

17. John Pope 

18. Joseph Stewart 

19. Richard W. Johnston (d) 

20. John Hillhouse 

21. David Gibson (d) 

22. Charles L. Kilburn 

23. Seth Williams 

24. Abner Boubleday 

25. Hachaliah Brown (d) 

26. Lucien Loeser (r) 



Appendix 



687 



27. 
28. 
29. 
30. 
31. 
32. 
33. 
34. 
35. 
36. 
37. 
38. 
39. 
40. 
41. 



1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 
15. 
16. 
17. 
18. 
19. 
20. 



1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 



Frederick J. Denman (d) 42. 

Daniel H. Hill (C) 43. 

Napoleon J. T. Dana 44. 

Allen H. Norton (d) 45. 

Armistead T. M. Rust (C) 46. 

John S. McCalmont 47. 

Patrick Noble (d) 48. 

Henry C. Story (r) 49. 

Jenks Beaman (d) 50. 

John B. Clark (d) 51. 

Ralph W. Kirkham 52. 

Cyrus Hall (d) 53. 

George Sykes 54. 

Richard H. Anderson (C) 55. 

George W. Lay (C) 56. 



James W. Schureman (d) 
George T. Mason (k-M) 
Charles D. Jordan 
Henry W. Stanton (d) 
Andrew J. Williamson (r) 
Eugene E. McLean (C) 
Lafayette McLaws (C) 
Thomas C. Hammond (k-M) 
Charles T. Baker (r) 
Samuel B. Hayman 
Earl Van Dorn (C) 
Christopher R. Perry (d) 
James Longstreet (C) 
James W. Abert 
James O. Handy (d) 



Glass of 1843. 



William B. Franklin 21. 

George Deshon (r) 22. 

Thomas J. Brereton (r) 23. 

John H. Grelaud (d) 24. 

William F. Raynolds 25. 

Isaac F. Quinby 26. 

Roswell S. Ripley (C) 27. 

John J. Peck 28. 

John P. Johnstone (k-M) 29. 

Joseph J. Reynolds 30. 

James A. Hardie 31. 

Henry F. Clarke 32. 

Jacob J. Booker (d) 33. 

Samuel G. French (C) 34. 
Theo. L. Chadbourne (k-M) 35. 

Christopher C. Augur 36. 

Franklin Gardner (C) 37. 

George Stevens (d) 38. 
Edmunds B. Holloway (C, k-c)39. 
Lewis Neill (d) 



Ulysses S. Grant 

Joseph H. Potter 

Robert Hazlitt (k-M) 

Edwin Howe (d) 

Lafayette B. Wood (d) 

Charles S. Hamilton 

William K. Van Bokelen (D) 

A. St. Amand Crozet (d) 

Charles E. Jarvis (d) 

Frederick Steele 

Henry R. Selden 

Rufus Ingalls 

Frederick T. Dent 

John C. McFerran 

Henry M. Judah 

Norman Elting (r) 

Cave J. Couts (r) 

Charles G. Merchant (d) 

George C. McClelland (D) 



Class of 1844. 



William G. Peck (r) 
Joseph H. Whittlesey 
Samuel Gill (r) 
Daniel M. Frost (C) 
Asher R. Eddy 
Francis J. Thomas (C, k-c) 
Alfred Pleasonton 
Thomas J. Curd (d) 
Augustus Cook (d) 
John Y. Bicknell (d) 
Simon B. Buckner (C) 
John Trevitt (r) 
Rankin Dilworth (k-M) 

Class 



Erastus B. Strong (k-M) 
William T. Burwell (k-M) 
William Read (r) 

17. James S. Woods (k-M) 

18. Winfield S. Hancock 

19. James M. Lake Henry (r) 
Alexander Hays (k-c) 
George Wainwright (d) 
Henry B. Schroeder (r) 
Joseph P. Smith (k-M) 
John J. C. Bibb (d) 
George W. Hawkins (D, d) 



14. 
15. 
16. 



20. 
21. 
22. 
23. 
24. 
25. 



William H. C. Whiting 
Edward B. Hunt 
Louis Hebert (C) 
William F. Smith 
Thomas J. Wood 
Thomas G. Rhett (C) 
Charles P. Stone 
Fitz John Porter 



(C) 



of 1845. 

9. Josiah H. Carlisle 

10. George Edwards (r) 

11. Henry Coppee (r) 

12. Francis Collins (r) 

13. Joseph F. Farry (k-M) 

14. Lewis D. Welch (d) 

15. George P. Andrews 

16. Thomas B. J. Weld (d) 



688 



Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



17. 
18. 
19. 
20. 
21. 
22. 
23. 
24. 
25. 
26. 
27. 
28. 
29. 



1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 
15. 
16. 
17. 
18. 
19. 
20. 
21. 
22. 
23. 
24. 
25. 
26. 
27. 
28. 
29. 
30. 



1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 



John P. Hatch 
John A. Richey (k-M) 
Henry Merrill (d) 
Patrick A. Parrelly (d) 
Abram B. Lincoln (d) 
Bezaleel W. Armstrong (d) 
William A. Allen (d) 
James G. S. Snelling (d) 
Edmund K. Smith (C) 
Thomas J. Montgomery (d) 
John W. Davidson 
James N. Ward (d) 
James M. Hawes (C) 



30. Newton C. Givens (d) 

31. Richard C. W. Radford (C) 

32. Delos B. Sockett 

33. Bernard E. Bee (C, k-c) 

34. William Rhea (d) 

35. Gordon Granger 

36. Henry B. Glitz 

37. William H. Wood 

38. David A. Russell (k-c) 

39. Joseph McElvain (d) 

40. Thomas G. Pitcher 

41. William L. Crittenden (d) 



Class of 1846. 



C. Seaforth Stewart 
George B. McClelland 
Charles E. Blunt 
John G. Foster 
Edmund L. F. Hardcastle 
Francis T. Bryan (r) 
George H. Derby (d) 
Jesse L. Reno (k-c) 
Clarendon J. L. Wilson ( 
Thomas M. Whedbee (d) 
Edmund Hayes (d) 
Edward C. Boynton 
Darius N. Couch 
Henry B. Sears (r) 
William Dutton 
John A. Brown (C) 
Thomas J. Jackson (C, k 
Albert L. Magilton 
Truman Seymour 
Colville J. Minor (d) 
Charles C. Gilbert 
Marcus D. L. Simpson 
Rufus J. Bacon (d) 
Hamilton L. Shields (r) 
John Adams (C, k-c) 
Richard H. Rush 
Henry A. Ehninger (r) 
Thomas P. Castor (d) 
Orren Chapman (d) 
Alexander P. Rodgers (k- 



d) 



31. 
32. 
33. 
34. 
(r) 35. 
36. 
37. 
38. 
39. 
40. 
41. 
42. 
43. 
44. 
45. 
46. 
47. 
48. 
49. 
50. 
51. 
52. 
53. 
54. 
55. 
56. 
57. 
58. 
59. 
M) 



-c) 



Oliver H. P. Taylor (d) 
Samuel D. Sturgis 
George Stoneman 
James Oakes 
William D. Smith (C) 
George F. Evans (d) 
Dabney H. Maury (C) 
Innis N. Palmer 
James Stuart (d) 
Permenas T. Turnley 
David R. Jones (C) 
Alfred Gibbs 
George H. Gordon 
Frederick Myers 
DeLamcey Floyd-Jones 
John D. Wilkins 
Joseph N. G. Whistler 
Thomas Easley (k-M) 
Nelson H. Davis 
Thomas R. McConnell (d) 
Matthew R. Stevenson 
George B. Humphreys (d) 
William H. Tyler (d) 
Cadmus M. Wilcox (C) 
William M. Gardner (C) 
Edmund Russell (d) 
Archibald B. Botts (d) 
Samuel B. Maxey (C) 
George E. Pickett (C) 



Class of 1847. 



John C. Symmes (R) 15. 

John Hamilton 16. 

Joseph J. Woods (r) 17. 

Julian McAllister 18. 

George W. Hazzard (k-c) 19. 

Daniel T. Van Buren 20. 

Samuel F. Chalfln 21. 

Orlando B. Willcox 22. 

John S. Mason 23. 

George Patten (r) 24. 

John H. Dickerson 25. 

Darnel M. Beltzhoover (C) 26. 

Otis H. Tillinghast (k-c) 27. 

James B. Fry 28. 



Ambrose P. Hill (C, k-c) 
Anson J. Cook (d) 
Horatio G. Gibson 
Ambrose E. Burnside 
Richard H. Long (d) 
John Gibbon 
Clermont L. Best 
Romeyn B. Ayres 
Charles Griffin 
Henry M. Black 
Henry B. Hendershott 
Tredwell Moore 
Thomas N. Neill 
William W. Burns 



Appendix 689 



29. Edward F. Abbott (r) 34. Augustus H. Seward 

30. Egbert L. Viele 35. Peter W. L. Plympton 

31. Washington P. Street (d) 36. John De Russey (d) 

32. Mont. P. Harrison (d) 37. Edward D. Blake (C) 

33. Lewis C. Hunt 38. Henry Heth (C) 



APPENDIX D 

LIEUT. PATRICK A. FARRELLY, U. S. A. 

A most lovable character was Patrick Alden Farrelly, 
step-brother of Mrs. Annie McFadden Hays. General Hays 
had known him well, for the lieutenant had graduated at Alle- 
gheny College in the class of 1839, and the general was in the 
class of 1840. Lieut. Farrelly, however, came to West Point a 
year later than the general, viz., 1841, and graduated a year 
later than Alexander Hays, in 1845. 

It was through his college and West Point acquaintance 
with Farrelly that Alexander Hays met his future wife. 

Martha Alden, the mother of Lieut. Farrelly, was a direct 
descendant of John Alden of Mayflower fame. Her first hus- 
band was a member of Congress from Western Pennsylvania, 
and was otherwise a man of distinction. The couple had but 
one child, the subject of this sketch. When a widow Mrs. 
Farrelly married a second time, to John B. McFadden, but 
no children blessed this union. Hence the connection between 
the McFadden-Hays families and the line of John Alden. The 
names Farrelly and Alden have been preserved in Alexander 
Hays' family — in Alden Farrelly Hays, Martha Alden Hays 
[Mrs. Black] and John Alden Hays, eighth son of Gilbert A. 
Hays. Mrs. Martha McFadden is the loving "mother" so 
often spoken of by the general in his letters. 

At the time of Lieut. Farrelly's death and interment in 
the National Cemetery at Fort Washita the following obitu- 
aries were published in the Pittsburgh papers: 

"Died. 

"August, 1851. 

"Near Fort Washita, suddenly, on Sunday, the 3rd inst., Lieut. 
P. A. Farrelly, Fifth Infantry, U. S. A. On Thursday before his 
death Lieut. Farrelly was thrown from a horse, his head striking a 
stump, which affected the skull and brain, which is supposed by the 
physician to have caused his death. 

"Death is every day busy in his work of destruction; and how- 
ever familiar the fact, we seldom feel its force until his rude hand 
tears from our hearts some object upon which the tendrils of affec- 
tion entwined themselves in all the deep and close devotion of love 
and truth. The toll of the funeral bell seldom stirs the depths of 
our hearts unless it rings the requiem of some dear departed friend. 
None feel the impressive teachings of the stern and relentless phi- 
losopher until the silver cord of deep and kindred affection is severed, 
and we are left to wail the unexpected departure of the 'loved and 
lost.' None can feel more poignantly than we do these solemn 



690 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



truths as we are called upon to record the death of Lieut. Patrick 
Alden Farrelly of the Fifth United States Infantry. Silence, per- 
haps, would be the most eloquent tribute we could pay his memory, 
for silence is the true expression of woe, and the accepted councillor 
of the soul's deep grief. Lieut. Farrelly was a graduate of West 
Point, joined the army of invasion at Corpus Christi, and served 
with honor and distinction through all the battles of Mexico save 
that of Buena Vista. He was severely wounded at the Battle of 
Cherebusco, and lingered for many months, after the termination of 
the war, between life and death. He finally recovered his health, 
and resumed his post in his regiment, since which time he has 
been on duty on our western frontiers. He was a young man whose 
life gave promise of a brilliant career. Talented and accomplished, 
both as a scholar and a soldier; kind, affectionate and unwavering 
in his attachment, with a spirit in keeping with the chivalry of the 
profession to which he belonged, 

" 'None knew him but to love him, 
None named him but to praise.' 

"The hearts of his many relatives and friends will feel a void 
which nothing can supply, and a desolation over which the spirit 
will mourn when the melancholy thought recurs to their mind and 
whispers, 'Alas! he is no more!' The virtues of his character will 
remain to his family as sacred recollections. It is not for us to pass 
them in review, or disturb, for a moment the melancholy but sweet 
satisfaction the memory of them must necessarily inspire in the 
bruised and bereaved heart of a devoted mother. We would not 
intrude upon the sanctuary of maternal grief by any poor offering 
of sympathy. Death has set his seal upon the loved, and in our 
hearts canonized the memory of the departed one. Holy and for- 
ever cherished be that memory embalmed in the sunlight of a blessed 
immortality." 

"Lieut. Farrelly. 

"The death of this brilliant young officer was announced on 
Saturday. We knew him slightly, but well enough to appreciate 
the veracity of the subjoined beautiful tribute to his worth from 
the pen of a brother soldier. Those who knew him by the watch- 
fire, and served with him in the campaign and in the crisis of the 
field, enable us to realize how great a loss the service sustains in 
the sudden extinguishment of a life as full of glorious promise as it 
had been singularly fruitful of brilliant deeds." 

"Died. 

"Near Fort Washita, 3rd ult., suddenly, Lieut. P. A. Farrelly, 
Fifth Infantry, U. S. A. On the Thursday before his death Lieut. 
Farrelly was thrown from a horse, his head striking a stump, which 
affected the skull and brain, which is supposed by the physician to 
have caused his death. 

"Lieut. Farrelly was the son of Hon. Patrick Farrelly, deceased, 
formerly an eminent representative in Congress from Pennsylvania. 
On the maternal side he was a lineal descendant from one of the 
most notable of the Pilgrims of the Mayflower. 

"In 1841 he entered the United States Military Academy, where 
he distinguished himself as a cadet, and in 1845 received a com- 
mission in the United States army. 

"Joining the 4th Regiment of Infantry, then at Corpus Christi, 
Texas, he participated in the opening scenes of that campaign, which, 
under the direction of General Taylor, terminated so triumphantly 
to our arms; transferred afterward to the 5th Regiment of Infantry, 
and to the southern line of operation, under General Scott, he ac- 



Appendix 691 



companied the army to the City of Mexico. 

"Thoroughly versed in the Spanish language, and possessing 
an extensive knowledge of ancient and modern literature, he enjoyed 
many advantages over his less favored countrymen. Frequent sus- 
pensions of hostilities enabled him to cultivate the acquaintance of 
and exchange courtesies with many of the most conspicuous citizens 
of the Republic of Mexico — both civil and military — producing 
mutual acknowledgments of consideration and esteem. 

"To a total disregard of personal danger he joined the mag- 
nanimity of a true soldier, and ever tempered victory with mercy. 
Many a matron and maid have cause to remember their unknown 
preserver from the rudeness of a lawless soldiery. These qualities, 
together with a native gentleness of manner, endeared him to his 
enemies, and regrets will follow the announcement of his demise, 
even in the capital where he once triumphed. 

"Though a brief one, a more brilliant career rarely falls to the 
lot of a soldier. His name is identified with Palo Alto, Resaca de 
la Palma, Monterey, Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Contreras and Cheru- 
busco. In the latter engagement, in the language of his command- 
ing officer, although 'suffering from indisposition and exhaustion, 
he was shot down at the end of the ditch, whilst leading his com- 
pany to the assault of the "tete du pont." ' 

"Suffering from many and severe wounds, he entered the City 
of Mexico with our victorious army; and was permitted to return 
to Pittsburgh to recruit his shattered constitution. Enjoying the 
society of his home for a few months only — his wounds still open — 
he again joined his regiment, in the Cherokee Nation, and died as 
he had lived, devoted to the service of his country. 

"His native state, through her Legislature, has appreciated and 
acknowledged his worth by enrolling his name among those of the 
many heroes of Pennsylvania. 

"Beloved by all who knew him, both in public and private life, 
regrets for his untimely decease will be mingled with the memories 
of his many virtues and accomplishments. His brethren in arms, 
as they 'fight their battles o'er again,' will recall the name of 
Farrelly with pride as one of the 'tried and true.' Farrelly, whose 
life was without reproach, and whose memory they will delight to 
honor. H." 

APPENDIX E 

ROSTERS 

FIELD AND COMPANY OFFICERS FOURTH UNITED STATES 
INFANTRY, JULY 1, 1844, TO JUNE 18, 1846 

This roster embraces the period of General Alexander Hays' 
service with the Fourth Infantry: 
Colonel — J. H. Vose, Jan. 31, 1842, to July 15, 1846. 
Colonel — William Whistler, July 15, 1846, to Oct. 9, 1861. 
Lieutenant Colonel — John Garland, Nov. 27, 1839, to May 7, 1849. 
Major — Thomas Staniford, Dec. 1, 1839, to Oct. 22, 1845. 
Major — William H. Cobbs, Oct. 22, 1845, to Jan. 1, 1848. 
Adjutant — Granville 0. Haller, Jan. 1, 1843, to Sept. 10, 1845. 
Adjutant — Charles Hoskins, Sept. 10, 1845, to Sept. 21, 1846. 
Quartermaster — No R. Q. M. between July 1, 1844, to July, 1846. 

Company A. 
Captain — Charles H. Larnard, July 1, 1844, to June 18, 1846. 
1st Lieutenant — Robert M. Cochran, July 1, 1844, to Nov. 24, 1844. 
1st Lieutenant — Edward G. Elliott, Nov. 24, 1844, to June 18, 1846. 
Brevet 2nd Lieut. — Ulysses S. Grant, July 1, 1844, to Sept. 30, 1845. 



692 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



Company B. 

Captain — Robert C. Buchanan, July 1, 1844, to June 18, 1846. 
1st Lieutenant — Henry L. Scott, July 1, 1844, to June 18, 1846. 
2nd Lieutenant — Sidney Smith, July 1, 1844, to June 18, 1846. 

Company C. 

Captain — George A. McCall, July 1, 1844, to June 18, 1846. 
1st Lieutenant — Charles Hoskins, July 1, 1844, to June 18, 1846. 
2nd Lieutenant— B. A. Barry, July 1, 1844, to Sept. 12, 1845. 
2nd Lieutenant — Franklin Gardner, Sept. 12, 1845, to Nov. 15, 1845. 
2nd Lieutenant — Ulysses S. Grant, Nov. 15, 1845, to June 18, 1846. 
Brevet 2nd Lieutenant — Edmunds B. Holloway, July 1, 1844, to 
Sept. 26, 1845. 

Company D. 
Captain — William M. Graham, June 1, 1844, to June 18, 1846. 
1st Lieutenant — R. E. Cochrane, July 1, 1844, to May 9, 1846. 
2nd Lieutenant — Allen H. Norton, July 1, 1844, to June 18, 1846. 

Company E. 
Captain — Bradford R, Alden, July 1, 1844, to June 16, 1846. 
1st Lieutenant — R. H. Graham, July 1, 1844, to June 16, 1846. 
2nd Lieutenant — Jenks Beaman, July 1, 1844, to June 16, 1846. 

Company F. 

Captain — John Page, July 1, 1844, to June 16, 1846. 
1st Lieutenant — Henry Prince, July 1, 1844, to June 16, 1846. 
2nd Lieutenant — Henry D. Wallen, July 1, 1844, to June 16, 1846. 
Brevet 2nd Lieut. — James Longstreet, July 1, 1844, to Mar. 4, 1845. 

Company G. 

Captain — Pitcairn Morrison, July 1, 1844, to June 16, 1846. 
1st Lieutenant — Abraham Myers, July 1, 1844, to June 16, 1846. 
2nd Lieutenant — Thaddeus Higgins, July 1, 1844, to Sept. 12, 1845. 
2nd Lieutenant — Christ, Augur, Sept. 12, 1845, to June 16, 1846. 
Brevet 2nd Lieut. — Robert Hazlit, July 1, 1844, to Nov. 3, 1845. 

Company H. 
Captain — Governeur Morris, July 1, 1844, to June 16, 1846. 
1st Lieutenant — Wm. W. S. Bliss, July 1, 1844, to June 16, 1846. 
2nd Lieutenant — T. H. Porter, July 1, 1844, to April 19, 1846. 
2nd Lieutenant — Henry M. Judah, April 19, 1846, to June 16, 1846. 

Company I. 
Captain — Lorenzo Thomas, July 1, 1844, to June 16, 1846. 
1st Lieutenant — Benjamin Alvord, July 1, 1844, to June 16, 1846. 
2nd Lieutenant — E. G. Elliott, July 1, 1844, to Nov. 29, 1844. 
2nd Lieutenant — Christ. R. Perry, Nov. 29, 1844, to June 16, 1846. 
Brevet 2nd Lieut. — James S. Woods, July 1, 1844, to June 16, 1846. 

Company K. 

Captain — George W. Allen, July 1, 1844, to June 16, 1846. 

1st Lieutenant — J. H. Gore, July 1, 1844, to June 16, 1846. 

2nd Lieutenant — Henderson Ridgley, July 1, 1844, to June 16, 1846. 

Brevet 2nd Lieut. — Alexander Hays, July 1, 1844, to June 16, 1846. 



EIGHTH INFANTRY, JUNE, 1846, TO JULY, 1848 

Colonel — William J. Worth, July 7, 1838, to May 7, 1849. 
Lieutenant Colonel — N. S. Clarke, July 7, 1838, to June 29, 1846. 



Appendix 693 



Major — W. G. Belknap, Jan. 31, 1842, to Sept. 26, 1847. 
Adjutant — J. T. Sprague, Nov. 1, 1843, to Sept. 1, 1845. 
Adjutant — Larkin Smith, Sept. 1, 1845, to Feb. 18, 1846. 
Adjutant — John D. Clark, Feb. 18, 1846, to May 20, 1847. 
Adjutant — James Longstreet, June 8, 1847, to July, 1848. 

Company A. 

Captain — Thomas P. Gwynne, June 16, 1846, to Dec. 26, 1846. 
Captain — George Wright, Dec. 26, 1846, to Aug. 7, 1847. 
Captain — Larkin Smith, Aug. 7, 1847, to July, 1848. 
1st Lieutenant — Arthur T. Lee, June 16, 1846, to Jan. 30, 1847. 
1st Lieutenant — Joseph Selden, Jan. 30, 1847, to Jan. 1, 1848. 
1st Lieutenant — Lafayette B. Wood, Jan. 1, 1848, to July, 1848. 
2nd Lieutenant — James Longstreet, June 16, 1846, to Feb. 23, 1847. 
2nd Lieutenant — George B. Pickett, July 18, 1847, to July, 1848. 
Brevet 2nd Lieut. — Geo. Wainwright, July 1, 1844, to June 18, 1846. 
Brevet 2nd Lieut. — Jos. N. G. Whistler, July 1, 1846, to Jan., 1847. 

Company B. 
Captain — Edmund A. Ogden, Dec. 1, 1839, to June, 1846. 
Captain — Isaac V. D. Reeve, June 18, 1846, to July, 1848. 
1st Lieutenant— George Lincoln, June 16, 1846, to Feb. 16, 1847. 
Captain — G. D. Hanson, March 2, 1847, to July, 1848. 
2nd Lieutenant — E. B. Holloway, June 16, 1846, to Sept. 17, 1847 
2nd Lieutenant — Edward D. Blake, Sept. 17, 1847, to July, 1848. 
Brevet 2nd Lieut. — Thomas Easley, July 1, 1846, to Feb. 16, 1847. 

Company C. 

Captain — William 0. Kello, June 16, 1846, to Jan. 27, 1848. (Died) 

Captain — Arthur T. Lee, Jan. 27, 1848, to July, 1848. 

1st Lieutenant— John G. Burbank, June 16, 1846, to Sept. 10, 1847. 

1st Lieutenant — John D. Clark, Sept. 10, 1847, to July 4, 1848. 

2nd Lieutenant- — Charles F. Morris, June 16, 1846, to June 18, 1846. 

2nd Lieutenant — George Wainwright, June 18, 1846, to July, 1848. 

Company D. 

Captain — Richard B. Screven, June 16, 1846, to July, 1848. 
1st Lieutenant — Robert P. Maclay, June 16, 1846, to July, 1848. 
2nd Lieutenant — Lafayette B. Wood, June 16, 1846, to Jan. 1, 1848. 
2nd Lieutenant — J. A. Deaney, March 20, 1848, to July, 1848. 

Company E. 

Captain — Henry McKavett, June 16, 1846, to Sept. 21, 1846. 
Captain — J. T. Sprague, Sept. 21, 1846, to July, 1848. 
1st Lieutenant — A. L. Sheppard, June 16, 1846, to Jan. 30, 1847. 
1st Lieutenant — John Beardsley, Jan. 30, 1847, to July, 1848. 
2nd Lieutenant — John D. Clark, June 16, 1846, to July 21, 1846. 
2nd Lieutenant — James G. S. Snelling, July 21, 1846, to July, 1848. 

Company F. 

Captain — George Wright, June 16, 1846, to Dec. 26, 1846. 
Captain — Thomas P. Gwynne, Dec. 26, 1846, to Feb. 16, 1847. 
Captain — George Lincoln, Feb. 16, 1847, to Feb. 23, 1847. 
Captain — Aug. L. Sheppard, Feb. 23, 1847, to July, 1848. 
1st Lieutenant — Isaac V. D. Reeve, July 7, 1838, to June 18, 1847. 
1st Lieutenant — John Beardsley, June 18, 1846, to Jan. 30, 1847. 
1st Lieutenant — James Longstreet, Feb. 23, 1847, to July, 1848. 
2nd Lieutenant — John Beardsley, June 16, 1846, to June 18, 1846. 
2nd Lieutenant — Alexander Hays, June 18, 1846, to April 12, 1848. 



694 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



Company G. 

Captain — Joseph S. Worth, June 16, 1846, to July 21, 1846. (Died) 

Captain — Larkin Smith, July 21, 1846, to Aug. 7, 1847. 

Captain — George Wright, Aug. 7, 1847, to Jan., 1848. 

Captain — Joseph Seldon, Jan. 1, 1848, to July, 1848. 

1st Lieutenant — Larkin Smith, June 16, 1846, to July 21, 1846. 

1st Lieutenant — J. D. Clark, July 21, 1846, to July 12, 1847. 

1st Lieutenant — J. G. Burbank, July 12, 1847, to Sept. 10, 1847. 

1st Lieutenant — Jacob J. Booker, Sept. 10, 1847, to July, 1848. 

2nd Lieutenant — Charles D. Jordon, June 16, 1846, to Sept. 21, 1846. 

2nd Lieutenant — Thomas G. Pitcher, Sept. 21, 1846, to July, 1848. 

Company H. 

Captain — James V. Bomford, June 16, 1846, to July, 1848. 
1st Lieutenant — J. T. Sprague, June 16, 1846, to Sept. 21, 1846. 
1st Lieutenant — C. D. Jordon, Sept. 21, 1846, to July, 1848. 
2nd Lieutenant — J. J. Booker, June 16, 1846, to Sept. 10, 1847. 
2nd Lieutenant — Washington P. Street, Sept. 10, 1847, to July, 1848. 

Company I. 

Captain — James M. Hill, Sept. 28, 1840, to June 18, 1846. 
Captain — Collinson R. Gates, June 18, 1846, to Jan. 12, 1847. 
Captain — ^William R. Montgomery, Jan. 12, 1847, to July, 1848. 
1st Lieutenant — Joseph Selden, June 16, 1846, to Jan. 30, 1847. 
1st Lieutenant — A. T. Lee, Jan. 30, 1847, to Jan. 27, 1848. 
1st Lieutenant — A. St. Amand Crozet, Jan. 27, 1848, to July, 1848. 
2nd Lieutenant — A. St. Amand Crozet, June 16, 1846, to Jan. 27 '48. 

Company K. 

Captain — William R. Montgomery, June 16, 1846, to Jan. 12, 1847. 
Captain — C. R. Gates, Jan. 12, 1847, to July, 1848. 
1st Lieutenant — C. R. Gates, June 16, 1846, to June 18, 1846. 
1st Lieutenant — C. F. Morris, June 18, 1846, to Sept. 17, 1847. 
1st Lieutenant — E. B. Holloway, Sept. 17, 1847, to July, 1848. 
2nd Lieutenant — Charles G. Merchant, June 16, 1846 to July, 1848. 

Note. 

Alexander Hays was transferred to the Eighth Infantry as 
2nd lieutenant June 18, 1846. The date June, 1846, in the above 
rosters is not to be taken as indicating the date of the beginning of 
any officer's service. It means that the officers were serving at that 
date in the regiment when Alexander Hays' service began. 



RECORDS OF THE OFFICERS OF THE FOURTH AND EIGHTH 
INFANTRY IN MEXICO 

(From Wilcox's History of the Mexican War) 

FOURTH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY 

Lieutenant Colonel. 

John Garland, brevet colonel and brigadier general. Palo Alto, 
Resaca de la Palma, Conteras and Churubusco. Died June 5, 1861. 



Appendix 695 

Majors. 

♦Francis Lee, brevet lieutenant colonel and colonel. Conteraa, 
Churubusco and Molino del Rey. Died January 19, 1859 at St 
Louis, Mo. ' 

George Wright. (See Eighth Infantry). 

Captains. 

George W. Allen. (See Second Infantry). 

*Benjamin Alvord, brevet captain and major. Palo Alto, Resaca de 
la Palma and Paso Ovejas; brigadier general United States 
Volunteers late war. Died October 16, 1884, at Washington, 

♦Robert C. Buchanan, brevet major and lieutenant colonel. Palo 
Alto, Resaca de la Palma and Molino del Rey; brigadier general 
United States Volunteers late war. Died November 29 1878 
at Washington, D. C. ' ' 

William M. Graham. (See Eleventh Infantry). 

Charles H. Larnard, brevet major. Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma 
Drowned May 27, 1854, in Puget Sound. 

George A. McCall. (See assistant adjutants general) 

*Gouverneur Morris, brevet major. Palo Alto and Resaca de la 
Palma. Died October 18, 1868. 

Pitcairn Morrison, brevet major. Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma 
Died October 5, 1887. 

John Page. Died July 12, 1846, of wounds received at the Battle of 
Palo Alto, Texas. 

*Henry L. Scott, brevet major and lieutenant colonel. Conteras, 
Churubusco and Chapultepec. Died January 6, 1886, at New 
York City. 

First Lieutenants. 
*Jenks Beaman. Died May 6, 1848, at Tampico, Mexico 
Richard E. Cochrane. Killed May 9, 1846, at the Battle of Resaca 

de la Palma. 
John H. Gore, brevet captain and major. Conteras, Churubusco and 

Molino del Rey. Died August 1, 1852. 
♦Richard H. Graham. Died October 12, 1846, of wounds received at 

the Battle of Monterey, Mexico. 
Granville O. Haller, brevet captain and major. Molino del Rey and 

Chapultepec. Colonel United States army late war. 
♦Charles Hoskins. Killed September 21, 1846, at the Battle of Mon- 
terey, Mexico. 
♦Theodric H. Porter. Killed April 19, 1846, near the Rio Grande. 
♦Henry Prince, brevet captain and major. Conteras, Churubusco 

and Molino del Rey. Severely wounded at Molino del Rey. 

Brigadier General United States Volunteers late war 
Henderson Ridgely. Killed November 24, 1847, in action at Pass 

Guadalajara, Mexico. 
Sidney Smith. Wounded at Molino del Rey. Died September 16, 

1847, of wounds received in action at City of Mexico. 
♦Henry D. Wallen, lieutenant colonel United States army late war 

Died December 2, 1886, at New York City. 

Second Lieutenants. 

♦Christopher C. Augur, major general United States Volunteers late 

war. 
♦Archibald B. Botts. Died January 1, 1847, at Carmargo, Mexico. 
♦Delancey Floyd-Jones, brevet 1st lieutenant. Molino del Rey. 

colonel United States army late war. 

* Graduate United States Military Academy. 



696 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



♦Ulysses S. Grant, brevet first lieutenant and captain. Molino del 
Rey and Chapultepec; commander United States army late war. 
Died July 23, 1885, at Mount Gregor, N. Y. 

♦Alexander Hays, brevet first lieutenant. Palo Alto and Resaca de 
la Palma; brigadier general United States Volunteers late war. 
Killed May 5, 1864, at the Battle of the Wilderness, Va. 

*Henry M. Judah, brevet first lieutenant and captain. Molino del 
Rey and Chapultepec. Brigadier general United States Volun- 
teers late war. Died January 14, 1866, at Plattsburg, N. Y. 

*Abram B. Lincoln, brevet first lieutenant. Wounded at Molino del 
Rey. Died April 15, 1852, at Palatka, Fla. 

Maurice Maloney, brevet first lieutenant and captain. Molino del 
Rey and Chapultepec. Wounded at San Cosme Gate. Major 
United States army late war. Died January 8, 1872. 

♦Thomas R. McConnell, brevet first lieutenant and captain. Molino 
del Rey and Chapultepec. Died April 20, 1861, at Mobile, Ala. 

♦Thomas J. Montgomery. Died November 22, 1854, at Fort Steila- 
coom. Wash. 

♦Christopher R. Perry. Died October 8, 1848, at sea. 

♦Alexander P. Rodgers. Killed September 13, 1847, at the Battle of 
Chapultepec Mexico. 

♦David A. Russell, brevet first lieutenant. National Bridge and 
Cerro Gordo. Brigadier general United States Volunteers late 
war. Killed September 19, 1864, at the Battle of Opequan, Va. 

♦Edmund Russell, brevet first lieutenant. Molino del Rey. Wounded 
at Churubusco. Killed March 24, 1853, in action with Indians 
at Red Bluff, Cal. 

Cadmus M. Wilcox, brevet first lieutenant. Chapultepec. Major 
general Confederate States army late war. Died December 2, 
1890, at Washington, D. C. (Transferred to Seventh Infantry). 

♦James S. Woods, brevet first lieutenant. Palo Alto and Resaca de 
la Palma. (Transferred to Second Infantry). Killed September 
1, 1846, at the Battle of Monterey, Mexico. 

♦Capt. William M. Graham. Promoted lieutenant colonel and trans- 
ferred to Eleven Infantry. Killed September 8, 1847, at the 
Battle of Molino del Rey, Mexico. 

George W. Allen. Promoted major and transferred to Second In- 
fantry. Brevet lieutenant colonel. Palo Alto and Resaca de la 
Palma. Died March 15, 1848. 

George Wright. Transferred from Eighth Infantry as captain. Pro- 
moted major, brevet major, lieutenant colonel and colonel. 
Conteras, Churubusco and Molino del Rey. Wounded at Molino 
del Rey. Brigadier general United States Volunteers late war. 
Drowned July 30, 1864, in the wreck of the steamer Brother 
Jonathan. 

♦Capt. George A. McCall. Promoted to assistant adjutant general. 
Brevet rank of major and lieutenant colonel. Palo Alto and 
Resaca de la Palma. Major general United States Volunteers 
late war. Died February 25, 1868, at West Chester, Pa. 



EIGHTH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY 

Lieutenant Colonel. 
Thomas Staniford, brevet colonel. Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma 
and Monterey. Died February 3, 1855. 

* Graduate United States Military Academy. 



Appendix 697 



Majors. 

*William G. Belknap, brevet colonel and brigadier general. Palo 

Alto, Resaca de la Palma and Buena Vista. Died November 10, 

1851. 
Carlos A. Waite, brevet lieutenant colonel and colonel. Contreras, 

Churubusco and Molino del Rey. Colonel United States army 

late war. Died May 7, 1866. 

Captains. 

*James V. Bomford, brevet major and lieutenant colonel. Contreras, 
Churubusco and Molino del Rey. Colonel United States army 
late war. Brevet brigadier general volunteers. 

George Lincoln, brevet captain. Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. 
Killed February 23, 1847, at the Battle of Buena Vista, Mexico. 

*William R. Montgomery, brevet major and lieutenant colonel. Palo 
Alto, Resaca de la Palma and Molino del Rey. Wounded at 
Resaca and Molino. brigadier general United States Volun- 
teers late war. Died May 31, 1871, at Bristol, Pa. 

*Isaac V. D. Reeve, brevet major and lieutenant colonel. Contreras, 
Churubusco and Molino del Rey. Colonel United States army 
late war. Brevet brigadier general volunteers. Died December 
31, 1890, at New York City. 

*Richard B. Screven, brevet major and lieutenant colonel. Monterey 
and Molino del Rey. Died May 15, 1851, at New Orleans, La. 

Augustus L. Sheppard. Died January 22, 1849. 

*Larkin Smith, brevet major. Contreras and Churubusco. Severely 
wounded at Molino del Rey. Lieutenant colonel Confederate 
States army late war. Died December 3, 1884, at San Antonio, 
Texas. 

* George Wright, brevet major, lieutenant colonel and colonel. Con- 

treras, Churubusco and Molino del Rey. Wounded at Molino 
del Rey. Brigadier general United States Volunteers late war. 
Drowned July 30, 1864, in the wreck of the steamer Brother 
*Henry McKavett: Killed September 21, 1846, at the Battle of 
Monterey, Mexico. 
Jonathan. 

First Lieutenants. 

*John Beardsley, brevet captain. Severely wounded at Molino del 
Rey. Colonel United States Volunteers late war. 

*John G. Burbank. Wounded at Resaca de la Palma. Died Sep- 
tember 10, 1847, of wounds received at the Battle of Molino 
del Rey, Mexico. 

*John D. Clark, brevet captain. Severely wounded at Molino del 
Rey. Drowned September 2, 1848, near Helena, Ark. 

*Collinson R. Gates, brevet captain and major. Palo Alto, Resaca 
de la Palma and Molino del Rey. Wounded at Resaca de la 
Palma. Died June 28, 1849, at Fredericksburg, Texas. 

Arthur T. Lee, major United States army late war. Died December 
29, 1879. 

*James Longstreet, brevet captain and major. Contreras, Churu- 
busco and Molino del Rey. Severely wounded at Chapultepec. 
Lieutenant general Confederate States army late war. 

♦Robert P. Maclay. Wounded at Resaca de la Palma. Brigadier 
general Confederate States army late war. 

*Charles F. Morris. Wounded at Resaca de la Palma. Died Sep- 
tember 17, 1847, of wounds received at the Battle of Molino del 
Rey, Mexico. 

* Graduate United States Military Academy. 



698 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



Joseph Selden, brevet captain and major. Contreras, Churubusco 
and Chapultepec. Severely wounded at Chapultepec. Colonel 
Confederate States army late war. 

♦Edward D. Blake, lieutenant colonel Confederate States army late 
war. Died November 29, 1882, at Charleston, S. C. 

♦Jacob J. Booker. Died June 26, 1849, at San Antono, Texas. 

♦Theodore L. Chadbourne. Killed May 9, 1846, at the Battle of 
Resaca de la Palma. 

♦Alfred St. A. Crozet. Died April 23, 1855, at Cincinnati, Ohio. 

♦Alexander Hays, brevet first lieutenant. Palo Alto and Resaca de 
la Palma. Brigadier general United States Volunteers late war. 
Killed May 5, 1864, at the Battle of the Wilderness, Va. 

♦Edmunds B. Holloway, brevet first lieutenant. Contreras and 
Churubusco. Severely wounded at Churubusco. Colonel Con- 
federate States army late war. Died May 16, 1861, at Inde- 
pendence, Mo., of wounds received from his own men. 

♦Charles D. Jordon, brevet first lieutenant. Palo Alto and Resaca 
de la Palma. Wounded at Resaca de la Palma. Major United 
State army late war. Died January 5, 1876, at Canton, Mass. 

♦George E. Pickett, brevet first lieutenant and captain. Contreras, 
Churubusco and Chapultepec. Major general Confederate States 
army late war. Died July 30, 1875, at Norfolk, Va. 

♦Thomas G. Pitcher, brevet first lieutenant. Contreras and Churu- 
busco. Brigadier general United States Volunteers late war. 

♦James G. S. Snelling, brevet first lieutenant and captain. Contreras, 
Churubusco and Molino del Rey. Severely wounded at Molino 
del Rey. Died August 25, 1855, at Cincinnati, Ohio. 

♦George Wainwright. Severely wounded at Monterey and Molino 
del Rey. Died August 2, 1848, at Brooklyn, N. Y. 

♦Lafayette B. Wood, brevet first lieutenant and captain. Monterey, 
Contreras and Churubusco. Died August 19, 1858, at Washing- 
ton, D. C. 

APPENDIX F 

ROSTERS 
TWELFTH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS 

The 12th Regiment's companies were lettered and numbered as 
follows: 

Company A. 
"The Jackson Independent Blues of Pittsburgh." Captain, Samuel 
A. McKee; 1st lieutenant, James Chalfant; 2nd lieutenant, 
Samuel Dobbins. 

Company B. 
"The Duquesne Grays of Pittsburgh." Captain, John S. Kennedy; 
1st lieutenant, William Bennett; 2nd lieutenant, Robert L. 
Coltart. 

Company C. 
"The Firemen's Legion of Pittsburgh." Captain, John H. Stewart; 
1st lieutenant, Charles F. Porter; 2nd lieutenant, William S. 
Collier. 

Company D. 
"The Union Guards of Pittsburgh." Captain, William L. Tomlinson; 
1st lieutenant, Matthew Graff; 2nd lieutenant, William F. Fer- 
guson. 

Company E. 
"The Washington Invincibles of Washington, Pa." Captain, James 
Armstrong; 1st lieutenant, William F. Templeton; 2nd lieuten- 
ant, Samuel F. Griffith. 

* Graduate United States Military Academy. 



Appendix 



699 



Company F. 
Recruited in New Castle, Pa. Captain, Edward O'Brien; 1st lieu- 
tenant, James R. Shaw; 2nd lieutenant, John P. Blair. 

Company G. 
"The Monongahela Artillery of Monongahela City." Captain, Robert 
F. Cooper; 1st lieutenant, John S. McBride; 2nd lieutenant, 
Jesse C. Taylor. 

Company H. 
"The Lawrence Guards of New Castle." Captain, Daniel Leasure; 
1st lieutenant, James J. Cook; 2nd lieutenant, John S. King. 

Company I. 

"The Zouave Cadets of Pittsburgh." Captain, George W. Tanner; 
1st lieutenant, Henry O. Ormsbee; 2nd lieutenant, William G. 
McCreary. 

Company K. 

"The City Guards of Pittsburgh." Mustered into the United States 
service April 25, 1861, as Company K, 12th Pennsylvania Vol- 
unteers, for three months. Captain, Alexander Hays, promoted 
major; captain, William C. Denny; 1st lieutenant, James H. 
Childs; 2nd lieutenant, Algernon S. M. Morgan; 1st sergeant, 
Benjamin Bakewell; 2nd sergeant, Charles W. Chapman; 3rd 
sergeant, John 0. Phillips; 4th sergeant, Augustus B. Bonafon; 
1st corporal, Weston Roan; 2nd corporal, George Miltenberger; 
3rd corporal, John T. Denniston; 4th corporal, George P. Corts; 
musicians, William Jones and John Speer. 

Privates: 
Atwell, Charles A. 
Adams, Benjamin C. 
Anderson, Thomas 
Anderson, Henry L. 
Anderson, Henry H. 
Bagaley, Theodore 
Black, Andrew P. 
Brown, James J. 
Bown, Samuel E. 
Cummings, Jacob B. 
Crummie, John 
Chalmers, George B 
Cain, John H. 
Creighton, James 
Cook, Grant F. 
Dalzell, Alexander F. 
(A. Filson Dalzell) 
Dyer, William H. 
Dilworth, George 
Dixon, James 
Fleming, James P. 
Fritz, George S. 
Grace, James 
Gray, Alexander 
Herron, David R. 
Hughey, Julian H. 
Hurley, Patrick 
Husk, Henry W. 
Holliday, David 
Hanna, George 
Harlan, William 
Irwin, John 
Johns, David 



Jones, George W. 
Kingsland, George 
Kelly, Edward 
Kiddoo, Joseph B. 
Lefevre, John 
Logan, William 
Mowry, Robert G. 
Moots, Augustus J. 
Madeira, William D. 
Mackey, David 
Mallow, John 
Moreland, Joseph 
McKee, Alexander 
McClintock, Walter S. 
McKnight, William 
McClure, William G. 
McCandless, William G. 
McManus, Alexander 
Oliver, Henry W., Jr. 
Parke, Frank H. 
Robinson, Robert A. 
Sinclair, William H. 
Stanford, Robert 
Spang, Charles 
Speer, William H. 
Scott, William 
Temple, Robert 
Vaught, Henry 
Whitesides, Robert P. 
Walker, Alexander 
Weisel, Alfred 
Young, Samuel B. M. 



700 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



APPENDIX G 

EPITOME OF SERVICE, HAYS' FIRST BRIGADE 

Below is the well-condensed and proper chronological narrative 
of the service of the original Hays Brigade, Casey's Division, Twenty- 
second Army Corps, Heintzelman's, in the defenses of Washington, 
at Union Mills, Centreville and other places in the vicinity of Bull 
Run; and in the Third Division, Second Corps, at Gettysburg, Colonel 
Willard in command of the brigade until his death in that battle, and 
then Brigadier General Joshua T. Owen. This epitome is fully 
explicit and correct, and is given from the date that General Alex- 
ander Hays assumed command until May 5, 1864, the day of the 
general's death in the Wilderness, although General Hays had been 
assigned to another brigade in Birney's Division in the reorganiza- 
tion of the corps: 

1863. 

Friday, January 9th — General Alexander Hays took command of the 
brigade. 

Wednesday, January 17th — Colonel Sherrill (who has been absent 
from wounds, rejoined the regiment for duty. 

Tuesday, March 24th — Regiment moved to Centreville. 

Sunday, June 14th — The advance of the Army of the Potomac, mov- 
ing toward Pennsylvania, reached Centreville. 

Wednesday, June 24th-^The Third Brigade of Abercrombie's Divi- 
sion, Twenty-second Army Corps, ordered to march. 

Thursday, June 25th — Brigade broke camp and joined the Third 
Division, Second Army Corps, and encamped at Gum Springs, 
Va. Colonel Willard of the 125th New York Volunteers com- 
manded the brigade, and Brigadier General Hays the division. 

Friday, June 26th — Crossed the Potomac at Edward's Ferry and went 
into camp the next morning. 

Saturday, June 27th — Marched to Sugar Loaf Mountain, Md., and 
encamped for the night. 

Sunday, June 28th — Marched to Monocacy and encamped for the 
night. 

Monday, June 29th — Marched to Uniontown, Md., via Liberty, Johns- 
ville and Union Bridge, thirty-three miles, and encamped for 
the night. 

Tuesday, June 30th — Remained in camp with the entire corps. 

Wednesday, July 1st — Marched via Taneytown to within six miles 
of Gettysburg, and halted until daylight on the morning of 
the 2nd. 

Thursday, July 2nd — Marched to Gettysburg and went into position 
in line of battle at 8 o'clock A. M. In action at Gettysburg, Pa., 
July 2nd and 3rd, and engaged as skirmishers July 4th. 

Sunday, July 5th — Left Gettysburg in the afternoon and moved to 
Two Taverns. 

Tuesday, July 7th — Marched to Taneytown. 

Wednesday, July 8th — Marched to within five miles of Frederick. 

Thursday, July 9th — Marched through Frederick on the way to 
Williamsport, Md. 

Friday, July 10th — Passed Crampton's Gap, South Mountain. 

Saturday, July 11th — Crossed Antietam Creek and battlefield. 

Sunday, July 12th — Went with entire army into line of battle before 
the enemy near Williamsport, Md. 

Monday, July 13th — Entrenched in line of battle. 

Tuesday, July 14th — Advanced and found that the enemy had 
crossed the Potomac. 

Wednesday, July 15th — Marched to Harper's Ferry along the east 
bank of the Potomac. 



Appendix: 701 



Thursday, July 16th — Passed Harper's Ferry around Maryland 

Heights, and went into camp at Sandy Hook. 
Friday, July 17th — Army supplied with clothing and munitions. 
Saturday, July 18th— Marched into Loudon Valley, crossing the 

Potomac and Shenandoah via Harper's Ferry. 
Sunday, July 19th — March continued, arriving at Manassas Gap 

July 23rd. 
Friday, July 24th — Marched through Manassas Gap and encamped 

for the night. 

Saturday, July 25th — Marched to White Plains, where rations were 
issued. Several men captured by guerrillas. 

Sunday, July 26th — Marched through Warrenton and encamped near 
Warrenton Junction, twenty-five miles. Hot and dry; many 
fatal cases of sunstroke. Remained in camp three days, received 
mail, and sent the sick to general hospital. 

Thursday, July 30th — Marched to Elk Run and remained there on 
picket duty. Weather oppressive and much sickness. 

Saturday, August 8th — Brigadier General Joshua T. Owen assumed 
command of the brigade. 

Monday, August 31st — Moved with the division to Hartwood Church 
to support cavalry reconnoissance, and returned September 2nd. 

Saturday, September 12th — Broke camp and marched to Rappahan- 
nock Station. Sick sent to general hospital. 

Sunday, September 13th — Crossed the Rappahannock and supported 
the cavalry, who met the enemy at Brandy Station, and drove 
them to near Cedar Mountain. Encamped at Culpepper Court 
House. 

Wednesday, September 16th — Marched to Cedar Mountain and en- 
camped for the night. 

Thursday, September 17th — Marched to Robinson's River and went 
on picket, and remained there on that dutv till relieved by the 
Sixth Corps, October 5th. 

Tuesday, October 6th — Marched to Culpepper Court House and went 
into camp. 

Saturday, October 10th — Broke camp and went into line of battle 
west of Culpepper, facing the Blue Ridge, and bivoucked for the 
night. The Army of the Potomac in retreat. 

Sunday, October 11th — Marched to Bealton via Rappahannock Sta- 
tion. 

Monday, October 12th— The trains of the army parked at Bealton 
Station. Brigade on picket. 

Tuesday, October 1 3th — Marched to Auburn Ford via Warrenton 
Junction and Warrenton Railroad to Three Mile Station and 
encamped for the night. 

Wednesday, October 14th — Engaged in action at Auburn Ford in 
the morning, and marched via Catlett's Station to Bristoe Sta- 
tion, and engaged there in action until dark. At 9 P. M. re- 
sumed march for the heights of Centreville, arriving there at 
3 A. M. on the 15th, crossing Bull Run at Mitchell's Ford. Went 
into position to meet an attack from the enemy's cavalry. 

Monday, October 19th — Recrossed Bull Run and marched to Bristoe 
Station. 

Tuesday, October 20th — Marched to near Auburn and encamped. 

Friday, October 23rd — Marched to the railroad near Warrenton and 
went into camp. 

Saturday, November 7th — Broke camp and marched to Kelly's Ford, 
the whole army advancing upon the enemy on the Rappahan- 
nock. Men with eight days' rations, sixty rounds of cartridges; 
and full supply of winter clothing. Fifth and Sixth Corps sur- 
prise the enemy at Rappahannock Station, capture four pieces 
of artillery and one thousand one hundred prisoners, and cross 



702 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



the river. The Third Corps, being in advance, cross at Kelly's 
Ford and capture eight hundred prisoners. 

Sunday, November 8th — Cross the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford, 
and moved with the entire army, supporting the cavalry, which, 
with sharp fighting, drove the enemy past Culpepper Court 
House. Encamped at Brandy Station. This is the third cross- 
ing of the Rappahannock on Sunday by the corps, with intervals 
of four weeks each. 

Tuesday, November 10th — Marched to Milton's Mills and went into 
camp. 

Tuesday, November 24th — Orders received last night to advance 
with the army across the Rapidan, but, rain setting in, the 
orders were countermanded. 

Thursday, November 26th (Thanksgiving Day) — Marched at 6:30 
A. M. to cross the Rapidan. At sunrise General Grant's an- 
nouncement of the great victories at Lookout Mountain, Chicka- 
mauga and Missionary Ridge were read to the army. Cross the 
Rapidan at Germania Ford on a pontoon bridge; advanced four 
miles on plank road, and bivouacked for the night. 

Friday, November 27th — Marched at sunrise, along a by-road, 
through a dense pine thicket, to the Fredericksburg and Orange 
Court House Plank Road; then rapidly to Robinson's Tavern at 
10 A. M., where skirmishing with the enemy at once com- 
menced and continued all day. 

Saturday, November 28th — Advanced two miles in line of battle; 
found the enemy along a ridge across Mine Run. Heavy can- 
nonading and sharp skirmishing through the day. Regiment 
goes on picket along the run at night. 

Sunday, November 29 th — Relieved by the Fifth Corps. The Second 
Corps, the Third Division of the Sixth Corps, under General 
Warren, moved to the left, and took position on the enemy's 
right, under an artillery fire, and lay in line for the night. 

Monday, November 30th — Reinforced by Third Division, Third 
Corps; moved forward and massed in column by regiment under 
orders to charge the enemy's right. The enemy being found 
in a position strongly entrenched, the order to charge was 
countermanded. Cannonading along the entire line. Remained 
in position till night, when the regiment was moved to the left 
on picket. The night was intensely cold. 

Tuesday, December 1st — On picket till 4 P. M., when relieved by 
details from the other regiments of the brigade. At 8 P. M. 
took line of march to recross the Rapidan via New Hope Church 
and Parker's Store, and through the Wilderness, marching all 
night. 

Wednesday, December 2nd — Recrossed the Rapidan at Culpepper or 
Gold Mine Ford at 8 A. M., and halted at 8:30 for breakfast 
and rest. Resumed march at 1:30 P. M., and at 7 P. M. arrived 
at the old camp at Milton's Ford. 

Thursday, December 3rd — Entire army in camp as before the ad- 
vance. 

Saturday, December 5th — Broke camp and moved to Stevensburg. 

Monday, December 7th — Broke camp at 8 A. M., and moved to Dump- 
ling Mountain, three miles east of Culpepper Court House, and 
three miles south of Brandy Station, and went into winter 
quarters. 

1864. 

Friday, January 1st — Regiment comfortably quartered in log huts; 

in good health, and engaged in heavy fatigue and picket duty. 
Saturday, February 6th — Advanced with the corps, on a reconnois- 

sance in force, across the Rapidan, at Morton's Ford, and 



Appendix 703 

sharply engaged with the enemy during the day. Retired 
across the river after dark and bivouacked on the left bank 

Sunday, February 7th — Returned to camp at night 

Monday, February 22nd (Washington's Birthday)— One-half of the 
regiment's term of service expired this day. Day spent as a 
holiday. Brigadier General Owen delivered an address to the 
brigade. 

Tuesday, February 23rd— The Second Corps and cavalry reviewed 
by Major General Meade, accompanied by Vice President 
Hamlin, Secretary Welles and other distinguished officers and 
citizens. 

Thursday, March 24th— General Grant arrived and took up his head- 
quarters with the Army of the Potomac at Culpepper Court 
House. The army reorganized and consolidated into three 
corps The three divisions of the Second Corps consolidated 
into two divisions, and the First and Second Divisions of the 
Third Corps transferred to the Second Corps as the Third and 
Fourth Divisions of this corps, Major General Hancock com- 
manding. The "Old Brigade," consisting of the 39th, the 111th 
the 125th and 126th New York Volunteers, was assigned to 
the First Division as the Third Brigade, and increased by the 
addition of the 7th, 52nd and 57th New York Volunteers and 
commanded by Colonel Paul Frank, 52nd New York; Brigadier 
General Francis Barlow commanding the division 

Monday, March 28th— The army reinforced by ten thousand heavy 
artillery from the defenses of Washington 

Friday, April 4th— One hundred enlisted men and two officers de- 
tailed from the regiment as provost guard at corps headquarters. 
Ba^r^ow 16th— Brigade reviewed by Brigadier General 

^hI^^^'a'^^'"," o?^!1~S!'''^'°'' reviewed by Major General Hancock. 
Friday, April 22nd— The corps reviewed by Lieutenant General 

Tuesday, May 3rd— Orders to move received at 2 P. M Broke camn 
and took up line of march at 10 P M 

Wednesday, May 4th— Crossed the Rapidan at Ely's Ford at day- 
light; marched to Chancellorsville and encamped at 10 A M 

Thursday, May 5th— Marched at 6 A. M. to Todd's Tavern, and the 
regiment, with a part of the brigade, was detached and went 
into line of battle 12 M., supporting the cavalry, which was 
engaged with the enemy. The balance of the brigade with the 
corps moved to the right in the Wilderness. At midnight the 
detachment rejoined the corps. 

APPENDIX H 

EFFORTS FOR PROMOTION 

his^o^/cal^valu^-^""""^'"^ documents are appended by reason of their 

"Camp Near Stevensburg, Va., 

.<rr^ Ti- -c, ,, "December 15th, 1863. 

"To His Excellency, 

"Abraham Lincoln, 

"President of the United States: 
T,. . y^^'~^^' tj^^ undersigned field and line officers of the Third 
Division, Second Corps, Army of the Potomac, most respectfully call 
your excellency's attention to the claims of Brigadier General Alex- 
ander Hays, our commander, to receive promotion at your hand 
„« .11 w°/15 ^''? valuable services of General Hays are known to 
us all. With a longer experience in the field than most of the 



704 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



officers who received promotion to the highest rank; possessed of 
practical good sense in the management of troops, both in camp and 
in action; having distinguished himself in every action in which 
he has been engaged, and having been engaged in most of the actions 
of this army, and severely wounded at the Battle of the Second Bull 
Run; having commanded this division at Gettysburg, Auburn and 
Bristoe Station, and by his heroic conduct in each of these con- 
tributed largely to the success of the corps and the army, we think 
he is eminently entitled to promotion to the highest rank. His 
devotion to the cause, and his superior military education especially 
mark him as a fit person to be entrusted with the command of a 
corps or even an army. 

"We have the honor to be, 

"Very respectfully, your obedient servants, 

"Joshua T. Owen, brigadier general. Third Brigade, Third Division, 
Second Corps. 

S. S. Carroll, colonel, commanding First Brigade, Third Division, 
Second Corps. 

Thomas A. Smyth, colonel, commanding Second Brigade, Third Divi- 
sion, Second Corps. 

John Coons, colonel, commanding 14th Indiana Volunteers. 

E. H. Gavins, lieutenant colonel, 14th Indiana Volunteers. 
Peter Grubb, major, commanding 4th Ohio Volunteers. 

Franklin Sawyer, lieutenant colonel, commanding 8th Ohio Volun- 
teers. 

F. E. Pierce, lieutenant colonel, commanding 108th New York Vol- 

unteers. 

Thomas H. Davis, lieutenant colonel, commanding 12th New Jersey 
Volunteers. 

Daniel Woodall, lieutenant colonel, commanding 1st Delaware Vol- 
unteers. 

Levin Crandall, colonel, 125th New York Volunteers. 

S. A. Moore, lieutenant colonel, commanding 14th Connecticut Vol- 
unteers. 

James H. Hinman, major, commanding 111th New York Volunteers. 

B. Baer, major, commanding 39th New York Volunteers. 

A. B. Myer, lieutenant colonel, commanding 125th New York Vol- 
unteers. 

Ira Smith Brown, major, commanding 126th New York Volunteers. 

William H. Baird, lieutenant colonel, 126th New York Volunteers. 

James M. Bull, colonel, 126th New York Volunteers. 

William F. Smith, major, commanding 1st Delaware. 

George M. Dewey, captain, commanding 10th New York Battalion. 

George P. Corts, captain, assistant adjutant general, Second Brigade, 
Third Division, Second Corps. 

C. J. Queen, captain and C. S., Second Brigade, Third Division, 

Second Corps. 
Isaac Scott, surgeon-in-chief, Second Brigade, Third Division, Second 
Corps." 

"April 12, 1864. 

"To the Senators and Representatives of Allegheny County, In the 
General Assembly of the State of Pennsylvania: 

"Gentlemen: — We, the undersigned, citizens of the city of 
Pittsburgh, and of Western Pennsylvania, having learned that an 
application has been made by all the principal field and line officers 
of the Third Division, Second Corps, of the Army of the Potomac, 
to the President of the United States, calling his attention to the 
claims of Brigadier General Alexander Hays, of that division, to 
promotion in the army; and having also been informed that many 
members of your honorable body have interested themselves in 



Appendix 



705 



behalf of General Hays, and are about to lay before the President 
an expression of their desire for his promotion, we deem this the 
proper time and the only mode that suggests itself to second your 
efforts, by expressing to you and through you to the President, our 
ardent desire to see General Hays occupying that position in the 
army to which we believe him entitled, by his well-known and in- 
domitable courage, as displayed on many a battlefield, and by his 
untiring energy, by his military education, by his long services, by 
his honorable wounds, and by his unswerving devotion and unques- 
tioned fidelity to the government and to the Union. 



"John Harper 
John B. Butler,U.S.A. 
William H. Smith 
J. R. Hunter 
Robert P. Nevin 
J. K. Finley 
John Watt 
H. Perry 
Robert Woods 
Dill A. Smith 
J. McM. King 
J. H. McKelvy 
Geoi'ge Ogden 
White, Orr & Co. 
Campbell B. Herron 
Isaac Jones 
M. McCullough 
Thomas B. McMillan 
Leonard S. Johns 
Arthur Hobson 
Joseph Knox 
John H. Ebbert 
Ormsby Phillips 
W. H. Bodenhamer, A. 
James H. Wright 
W. McCIintock 
Thomas L. Shields 
M. W. Beltzhoover 
James B. Lyon 
J. B. Canfield 
William F. Johnston 
Robert M. Cust 



Joseph Albree 
, J. P. Diehl 
Harry C. Campbell 
Whitmore, Wolff, Duff 
R. H. Hartley 
Isaac Whittier 
Beckham & Long 
James McElroy 
Moore & Chambers 
Frank Van Gorder 
John McD. Crossan 
Alexander King 
William Roseburg 
William H. Williams 
Walter P. Marshall 
John Rebman 
F. G. Sheibler 
R. H. Palmer 
B. F. Jones 
William Holmes 
William Cargo 
John J. McDermott 
James Robb 
A. S. 

Charles A. Super 
William Phillips 
James D. Donnell 
George W. Weyman 
J. C. Mattern 
Alexander Nimick 
William K. Nimick 
Thomas M. Marshall 



John Hunnings 
J. C. Boyd 
W. Hamilton 
&Co. 

W. W. Ward 
C. T. Johnson 
Charles L. Caldwell 
Thomas J. Hoskinson 
William A. Herron 
John S. Irwin 
Lippincott & Co. 
Chess, Smythe & Co. 
Means & Coffin 
Knox & Parker 
James M. Cooper 
Adam Trinkle 
J. J. Gillespie 
Joshua Rhodes 
M. J. Henderson 
Robert G. Bushnell 
William McCully & Co. 
Charles H. Paulson 
M. W. McMillan 
Harry Shirls 
Samuel Fahnestock 
David McCandless 
W. P. Thomson 
W. A. Reed 
Christopher Zug 
William Bagaley 
James Frazier 
John B. Ingham" 



"His Excellency, 

"Abraham Lincoln, 

"President of the United States: 

"The undersigned members of the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives of the State of Pennsylvania having a just pride in the 
brave and chivalric achievements in the field of their fellow-citizen, 
Brigadier General Alexander Hays, and believing that his merits as 
an ofl^cer and gentleman, as displayed in almost all of the bloody 
engagements in Virginia, commend him to deserve promotion, we 
cordially join in urging his appointment as a major general in the 
army of the United States: 

"Henry C. Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives 
John P. Penney, Speaker of the Senate 
William J. Smull James R. Kelly S. S. Pancoast 

W. B. Long B. S. Hill William Burgwin 

Jacob E. Ridgeway Robert L. McClelland R. F. McMurtrie 



706 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



Wilmer Worthington 

B. Champneys 
George Connell 
Charles McCandless 
David Fleming 
Henry Johnson 

S. F. Wilson 
J. B. Stark 
George W. Stein 
William M. McSherry 
Bernard Reilly 
William A. Wallace 
William Kinney 
Heister Clymer 
George H. Bucher 

C. L. Lamberton 

D. B. Montgomery 
John C. Smith 

A. Hiestand Glatz 
Edw. A. Price 
James N. Kerns 
Thomas J. Bigham 
Edward G. Lee 
Alfred Slack 
William H. Denniston 
Isaac H. Hanna 
D. Lilley 
Samuel H. Orwig 
J. Balsbach 
John W. Riddle 
Z. H. Long 
Peter Gilbert 
A. Patton 
Albert Schofield 



Elias Billingfelt 

J. W. Huston 

Charles Koonce 

Charles A. Burnett 

N. Weiser 

F. B. Searight 

John B. Beck 

James L. Graham 

Thomas St. Clair 

J. M. Dunlap 

George W. Householder 

Thomas Hoge 

William D. Brown 

H. B. Beardsley 

C. M. Donovan 

Jeremiah Nichols 

John Latta 

William F. Smith 

W. W. Watt 

William Henry 

J. R. Cochran 

J. H. Negley 

H. B. Herron 

John P. Glass 

William Haslett 

Isaiah White 

Luke Sutphin 

J. H. Marsh 

A. G. Olmstead 
Francis McManus 

B. F. Meyers 
Cyrus L. Pershing 
George A. Quigley 
William Horton 



J. A. Miller 

William Windle 

H. B. Bowman 

N. Mayer 

Edw. K. Smith 

C. C. Stanbarger 

R. R. Reed 

David Etnier 

William Foster 

John D. Watson 

Thomas Cochran 

J. W. McKee 

A. M. Benton 

Thomas J. Boyer 

Jacob Robinson 

A. C. Noyes 

C. S. Alexander 

J. C. Ellis 

J. H. Marshall 

H. C. Hoover 

Edward Kerns 

M. Weaver 

T. J. Barger 

Samuel Josephs 

J. McD. Sharpe 

William T. Alexander 

J. R. Boileau 

John Hargnett 

J. Missimer 

C. A. Kline 

W. N. Pottinger 

G. W. Winsley 

G. Dawson Coleman 

Daniel Keipp" 



APPENDIX I 

ROSTERS 

TROOPS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, MAJOR 
GENERAL S. P. HEINTZELMAN COMMANDING, 
MAY 31, 1863 

The rosters of the Department of Washington for Casey's Divi- 
sion is the same for March 31, 1863, except that the 9th Massachu- 
setts Battery was in Abercrombie's then division. 



ABERCROMBIE'S DIVISION^ 

(Formerly Casey's Division.) 

Brigadier General J. J. Abercrombie.i 

General Abercrombie had previously been in command of a 
division stationed near Fort Albany, and at Arlington, Cloud's Mills, 
Forts Ethan Allen and Marcy, Minor's Hill, Upton's Hill and Vienna, 
all in the Department of Washington. Abercrombie assumed com- 
mand April 17, 1863.1 



Appendix 707 

First Brigade. 
Colonel Prank Fessenden. 
25th Maine — Lieut. Colonel C. E. Shaw. 
27th Maine — Colonel M. F. Wentworth. 

Second Brigade. 
Brigadier General George J. Stannard. 
12th Vermont — Colonel Asa P. Blunt. 
13th Vermont — Colonel Francis V. Randall. 
14th Vermont — Colonel William T. Nichols. 
15th Vermont — Colonel Redfield Proctor. 
16th Vermont — Colonel Wheelock G. Veazey. 

Third Brigade. 
Brigadier General Alexander Hays. 

39th New York — Lieut. Colonel Charles Schwarz. 
111th New York — Colonel Clinton D. MacDougall. 
125th New York — Colonel George L. Willard. 
126th New York — Colonel Eliakim Sherrill. 

Artillery. 
2nd Connecticut Battery — Capt. John W. Sterling.* 
9th Massachusetts Battery — Capt. John Bigelow. 
Keystone Pennsylvania Battery — Capt. Matthew Hastings. 
1st Rhode Island Artillery, Battery H — Capt. Jeffrey Hazzard. 

CAVALRY DIVISION 

Major General Julius Stahel. 

First Brigade — Brigadier General Joseph T. Copeland. 

5th Michigan — Lieut. Colonel Ebenezer Gould. 

6th Michigan — Colonel George Gray. 

7th Michigan — Colonel W. D. Mann. 

9th Michigan Battery — Capt. J. T. Daniels. 

Second Brigade. 
Colonel R. Butler Price. 
1st Michigan — Colonel C. H. Town. 
2nd Pennsylvania — Lieut. Colonel Joseph P. Brinton. 
18th Pennsylvania — Colonel Timothy M. Bryan, Jr. 
(Also 1st Ohio, two companies, on March 31, 1863). 

Third Brigade. 
Colonel Ethneil DeForest. 

5th New York — Lieut. Colonel Robert Johnstone. 
1st Vermont — Colonel E. B. Sawyer. 
1st West Virginia — Major Benjamin F. Chamberlain. 

ABSTRACT TRI-MONTHLY RETURN FOR MAY 31, 1863, 
DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON 

Abercrombie's Division. 
Present for duty: Officers, 369; men, 6,954. Aggregate 
present: 8,133. Aggregate present and absent: 9,295. Pieces of 
artillery: 24. 

4 Relieving 11th Massachusetts Battery, Capt. E. J. Jones. 
1 At and about Fairfax Court House, Va. 



708 Life and Letters of General Alexander Hays 



APPENDIX J 

PROVOST MARSHAL'S REPORT 

"Provost Marshal's Office, 

"Fairfax C. H., Va., March 10, 1863. 
"Colonel Wyndham, Commanding Cavalry Brigade and Post: 

"Sir: — On the night of the 8th instant, say about 2 or 2:30 
A. M., Capt. Mosby, with his command, entered this village by an 
easterly direction, then advanced upon my outer vedette, when he 
challenged (no countersign out). The Rebel picket or scout ad- 
vanced, presenting at the same time two revolvers to his head and 
threatening to blow his brains out if he said a word, demanding his 
arms, etc., when the force came up and captured every man on 
patrol, with horses, equipments, etc., until reaching the provost 
marshal's stables, when they halted and entered the stables, taking 
every horse available with them. They then proceeded to Colonel 
Stoughton's stables, captured his guard, took his horses and those 
of his aides; they then proceeded to Colonel Wyndham's headquar- 
ters, and took all the movable property with them. In the mean- 
time others of Capt. Mosby's command were dispatched to all quar- 
ters where officers were lodged, taking them out of their beds, 
together with the telegraph operator, assistant, etc., etc. 

They searched the provost marshal's office, and, finding him 
absent, went to the post hospital, and there made diligent search 
for him, offering a reward for him. The provost marshal had just 
left the street, say ten minutes before they entered, and went across 
some vacant lots to ascertain from one of his vedettes if he had 
caught any horses or horse thieves. Another party, ten in number, 
proceeded to Colonel Stoughton's headquarters, taking him and one 
of his aides named Prentiss, who afterwards escaped, prisoners. 
They then proceeded to Colonel Wyndham's quarters, and took Capt. 
Barker of the 5th New York Cavalry, and also Baron Vardner, who 
was stopping at the colonel's. In the meantime, another party of 
them entered the residence of Colonel Johnstone and searched the 
house for him. He had, previous to their entering the town, heard 
of their movements, and, believing them to be the patrol, went out 
to halt them, but soon found out his mistake. He then entered the 
house again, he being in a nude state, and got out backwards, they 
in hot pursuit of him. He, however, evaded them by getting under 
a barn, and had scarcely concealed himself when a guard of three 
men were placed upon it. It is supposed that they entered our lines 
between Frying Pan and Herndon Station, taking a diagonal course 
to come in at the lower end of the village. On leaving they went 
out by way of Colonel Wyndham's stables (southwest), and pro- 
ceeded towards Centreville, cutting telegraph wires as they went 
along. I am told by parties who had seen them that they were some 
three hundred strong. 

"I have the honor to remain, 

"Respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"Lieut. D. L. O'Connor, 

"Provost Marshal." 



Index 



Abbott, John S. C. quoted. . . .598 
Academies 

West Point, q. v. 

Venango 4 

Mercer 5 

Action of City Councils 

Pittsburgli 618 

Alleglieny College 5, 23, 99 

Class of 1840 6 

Alexander, Gen., quoted. 437, 465 

Allison, Rev. Dr 239 

"All Quiet on the Potomac". .550 

Ames (a guerrilla) 325, 326 

Army Correspondence 

"Pittsburgh Post" 250 

Armies 

Observation 53 

Occupation 41 

Potomac ....48, 49, 56, 65, 
397, 401, 420, 508, 596 et seq 
Army of Cumberland 

Reunion 672 

Anderson, Robert. .67, 73, 74, 78 
Appleton's Biog.' Ency. auoted 656 
Authorities, Mexican War, 

quoted 94, 95 

Babcock, Louis H 448 

Bacon, Madam 315, 317 

Badeau, Gen., quoted ...557, 599 
Badges 

Kearney, Red Patch 569 

Bakewell, Ben. 122, 142, 150, 699 
Bailey's Tribute to Alex Havs 

669-671 

Balaclava 271 

Bancroft, H. H., quoted, 77, 78, 90 

Barrett, J. E., quoted 679 

Battine, Cecil, quoted 458 

"Battles and Leaders of the 

Civil War," quoted 

326, 437, 440 

Beauregard's and Johnston's 

chair 378 

Beckham, Mr. and Mrs 564 

Bethune, Rev. Dr., quoted... 494 
Bibliography, Mexican War. . 94 

Bicknell, Lieut, quoted 438 

Bigham, T. J 576, 580, 584 

Biographies 

Col. Sherril 422 

Col. Willard 405 

Bingham, Gen. H. H. 

Describes battle of Gettys- 
burg 443, 444 

Black, Col. Sam'l W 73, 

81, et seq., 155, 200, 221, 620 
Blackwood's Magazine, quoted, 

437, 438 

Bliss Buildings. 411, 412, 431, 434 
"Blue Birds".. 418, 421, 470, 491 

Board of Enrollment 4 77 

"Boston Transcript," quoted.. 665 

Boynton, E. C 26 

Brackett, "With Lane in Cen- 



tral Mexico," quoted 

67, 75, 87, 94 

Brereton, Capt 121, 124 

Brown, M. B 153, 157 

165, 174, 175, 181, 195, 214 

Brown, Rev. N. L 648 

Browne, Dunn, quoted. . .415, 416 
Brown's Hotel 265, 272, 282 

. .432, 433, 439, 453, 460, 463 
"Buffalo Commercial," quoted. 614 

Bryan House 

"Bugle Echoes" 176 

"Bullet Sickness" 262 

Burnett, Ward 281, 304 

Burnside, Gen., biog., quoted. 11 

Burke (a guerrilla) 192 

Bushnell, "Joe" 533 

BATTERIES — CIVIL WAR. 
Arnold's 

. .403, 440, 449, 452, 504, 553 

Brown's 440 

Cushing's. . . .402, 403, 440, 452 

ReRussey's 224 

Hampton's 125 

Hasting's (Keystone) 

. .305, 314, 315, 371, 396, 397 

Hay's Railroad 301 

Kirby's 474 

Leppine's 596 

Ricketts' 425, 491 

Rorty's 440 

Thompson's (Pa. > 254 

Woodruff's 403, 

425, 450, 451, 474, 669, 670 

Whitworth's (Conf.) 462 

United States 

I, 1st 403, 442, 450, 451 

A, 4th 403 440 

G, 2nd 254 

Thompson's 

240, 242, 243, 253, 254 

9th Mass 371 

11th Mass 367 

17th N. Y 367 

BATTERIES — MEXICAN WAR. 

Kendrick's 80, 82, 84 

Miller's 80 

Ridgley's 45-48 

Taylor's 29, 66, 96 

BATTLES— CIVIL WAR. 

Antietam 149, 409 

Auburn 496, 498, 501 

Ball's Bluff, Va 402 

Bristoe 434, 499, 500 636 

Brock Road 30, 556, 

596, 598, 599, 600, 601, 602 

Bull Run 81, 266, 270, 271 

Carrick's Ford 17 

Chancellorsville 

258, 268, 596, 597, 646 

Chantilly 265, 298, 326 

Fair Oaks 81,232,253 

Fredericksburg 

283 285, 287, 288, 320 



Index 



Gettysburg (Vide) 

Glendale 66, 242 

Harper's Ferry. 293, 306, 338, 422 

Hawes' Shop 120 

Malvern Hill 66 7 

Morton's Ford 

470, 539, 548, 552, 671 

Nelson's Farm. 240, 253, 254, 262 

Opequan 24 

Peach Orchard 207 

Seven Pines 118, 224, 236 

South Mountain 26 

Widerness. .30, 95, 336, 665, 679 
BATTLES IN MEXICO. 

Atlixco 29, 82, 83, 437, 644 

Buena Vista 117 

Cerro Gordo 118 

Chapultepec. . . .17, 118, 405, 406 

Cordova 90 

Galaxara 86 

Huamantla 

24, 29, 75, 96, 259, 437 

Molino del Rev 20, 36, 52 

Palo Alto 17, 24, 38, 42 

44 etseq., 60, 117. 134, 549 

Paso Ovejas 24 

Resaca 215 

Sequaltiplan or Zacultiplan . . . 

91, 95 

BRIGADES— UNION. 

Berry's 225, 243 

Baxter's 462 

Birney's 243 

Carroll's 

415, 453, 486. 505, 581, 600 

Custer's 314 

De Trobriand's 514 

Farnsworth's 311 

Fessenden's 352, 379, 707 

Frank's 581, 600 

Franklin's 144, 146 

Graham's 186, 331 

Harrow's 440 

Hay's; 22nd Corps. . .274, 296, 
305, 333, 347, 351, 353, 358 
360, 361, 370, 384, 387, 392, 
401, 402, 426, 431, 470, 700, 703 

Hay's; 2nd Corps 574, 

575, 589, 597 et seq., 600. 601 

.Tameson's 162, 179, 224, 243 

Kearney's 562 

Miles' 581 

Owen's 486 505, 543, 599 

Poe's 270 

Proctor's 378 

Richardson's 149, 157. 194 

Robinson's 270 

Rowley's 427 

Smyth's 401. 402 

412, 440, 453, 505, 581, 600 

Stahel's 328 

Stannard's 426. 427. 440 

Stoughton's. .306, 323 et seq. 327 
Van Valkenburg's 312 



Ward's 558. 559 

Webb's 403, 414 

427, 432, 451, 453, 541, 635 

Wheaton's 601, 602 

AVillard's. .338, 402, 412, 426, 

432, 439, 445, 446, 454, 460 

Wyndham's 329 

Zook's 581 

BRIGADES — CONFEDERATE. 

Armistead's 427, 459 

Bvockenbrough's 435, 436 

Davis' 435, 436, 601 

Garnett's 427 

Hatton's 436 

Hoke's 436 

Kemper's 427 

Kershaw's 421 

Lane's 43{i 

Archer's 436 

Scales' 435, 436 

Wilcox's 435, 459, 602 

Calver, Dr. Thos 631 

Cameron, Simon. Sec'y..l30, 132 
Campaigns 

Gettysburg 401 et seq. 

Mine Run 53 2 etseq. 

Peninsula 198 et seq. 

Wilderness 596 et seq. 

Camps 

Birney 570, 578 etseq. 

Bullock 569 

Culpepper 573 

Curtin 124, 125 

Douglass 306, 338 

Duquesne 120 

Fair Oaks 232, 233 

Johnston 149 

151 etseq., 179, 184, 264 

Hamilton 199, 201, 203 

Harper 207 

Hays 140, 143, 638 

Howe 621 

"Pennyroyal" 179 

Reynolds 616, 617 

Pitchers 319 

Salubritv. . . .38, 41. 42, 44, 65 

Scott 123, 126, 210 

Shields 143, 148 

Terry 220 

ITnion Mills 293 et seq. 

Whitesell 240 

Wilkins 139 

Winfield Scott 208-214 

Carrol. Mrs. Col. ...540, 553, 563 
Cary, Constance, see Harrison, Mrs. 
Casualties 

Hays' Division 432 

Lane's Brigade 9 7 

Webb's Division 432 

Willard's Brigade 432 

9th Reserves 269 

63rd Pa 267- 271 

"B" 63rd Pa 227, 245. 360 

"F" 63rd Pa 224. 225 



Index 



"G" 63rd Pa 236, 382 

"H" 63rd Pa 398 

"I" 63rd Pa 224, 226, 228 

"K" 63rd Pa 228, 634, 699 

105th Pa 267 

Cemeteries 

Allegheny 

. .616. 633, 640, 641, 643, 674 

Uniondale 246 

Christmas (1862) 286,287 

Church, Prof. A. E 645 

Circular, Battle Monument ... 644 
Cist, Gen. H. M., quoted 546 

CIVIL WAR— TOWNS AND 
LOCALITIES. 

Accotink, Va " 162 

Alexandria 

263, 364, 393, 398, 400 

Auburn 636 

Barnesville, Md 402 

Belleview, Va 144 

Bermuda Hundred 562 

Blackburn's Ford, Va 496 

Brandy Station, Va 55 7, 59 7 

Brandywine Station 513 

Bottom's Bridge, Va 221 

Broad Run 501, 503 

Bull Run, Va 

. . .293, 297, 314, 315, 316, 
330, 339. 362. 397, 497 et seq. 

Catharpin Furnace 597 

Catlett's Station 505 

Cedar Mountain, Va.,.485, et seq. 

Cemetery Hill 463, 664 

Centreville 266. 269, 

292. 298. 304. 306. 309. 310, 
313, 323, 326, 328, 339, 340, 
343, 347, 351, 353, 354. 355, 
356 357, 358, 361. 368. 369. 
370, 371, 372, 375, 376, 383. 
384, 387, 388, 391. 392. 393, 
396, 397, 399. 400. 401. 496. 
497, 498, 499, 500, 503, 700 

Chickahominy River 

223, 224, 252 

Clark Mountain 596 

Cockeysille. Md 123, 127, 

128, 129, 130, 131, 132. 133 

Cole's Hill, Va 577 

Cub Run 325, 328 

Culp's Hill 455 

Culpepper Court House 

325, 332, 361, 

483, 492 et seq., 548. 562. 597 

Elktown, Va 471 et seq. 

Ely's Ford 596, 497 

Emmittsburg Road 

403. 439, 440, 461, 463 

Fairfax Court House 

298, 309, 323 et seq., 398 

Fairfax Station ... 325. 330, 400 

Fair Oaks Statiion 114, 236 

Falmouth, Va 319 



Fredericksburg, Va 512, 649 

Gainesville, Va 400 

Georgetown, D. C 286, 287 

Germania Ford 522 

Gordonsville 261 

Gum Springs, Va 401, 402 

Gunpowder River 127 

Hagerstown 409 

Harrison's Bar, Va 260 

Harrison's Landing. 245, 247, 250 
Harpers Ferry 

128, 129, 361, 401, 418 

Hunting Creek 178 

Jones' Cross Roads 409, 417 

Keedysville, Md 409 

Kelly's Ford 471, 514 

Leesburg Pike 178 

Locust Grove 532 

Manassas, Va. .v 343 

Manassas Junction 266, 293 

Milton Mills. 514, 516 et seq., 536 

Monocacy Junction 402 

Morton's Ford 636 

Mountain Run, Va 514, 517 

Occoquan 170, 330 

Orange Plank Road 

596, 597, 601, 602 

Orange Turnpike 523 

Pohick Church 185-190-192 

Poolesville, Md 402 

Port Royal 187 

Rapidan River 485, 

486 etseq., 507, 522, 523, 'ohl 

Rapidan Station 483 

Rappahannock River 507 

Rappahannock Station 514 

-Robertson's Old Tavern 523 

Round Top. 4^9 

Plymouth, N. C 593 

SangsteT*s Station 400 

Shady Grove Church b96 

Slaughter Mountain 

(See Cedar Mt.) S"T^ 

Spring Bank, Va 117 

Stony Mountain 553 

Taneytown 403 

Taneytown Road 

403. 411, 440, 451, 670 

Thoroughfare Gap 400 

Todd's Tavern 596, 597, 609 

Upton's Hill 356. 357 

Union Mills. Va 

. . . .322 et seq., 293 et seq.. 

339, 342, 343, 345, 347, 349, 

352, 353, 355. 356, 358. 364. 

365, 367, 368, 393, 400. 497 

Uniontown. Md 403, 404 

Wapping Heights 413, 415 

W;arrenton Junction 

265, 415, 420, 50S 

Westover Landing, Va 240 

Wllliamsport 420 

Woodgrove, Va 416 

Woodyard Ford 330, 332 



Index 



Wynn's Mills 207 

York, Pa 126 et seq 

Yorktown 207, 264 

COMMANDERS — MEXICAN. 

Arista, Gen 59 

Gaona, Gen 87 

Iterbide, Maj 80 

Jarauta, Padre 92, 94 

Martinez, Padre 93 

Paredes, Gen 92 

Rea, Gen 97, 83 

Santa Anna 74, 78, 88, 90 

COMPANIES. 

City Guards 121. 124, 125, 

126, 130, 132, 133, 634, 699 
Dnquesne Greys. 80, 121, 122. 698 
Firemen's Legion ..129, 130, 698 

Hibernian Greens 82 

Jackson Blues 81, 698 

Pittsburgh Rifles 269 

Washington County Companies 

(12th Reg.) 129 

Washington Infantry 120 

Zouave Cadets 128, 129, 699 

Contra Guerrillas 87 

Coppee, Henry. 8, 10, 13, 22, 603 

Corts, Capt. G. P 

138, 144, 148, 155, 

165. 167, 174, 208, 211, 215, 
233, 237, 240, 247, 253, 267, 
271, 279, 282, 323, 337, 342, 
344. 346, 353, 355, 357, 359, 
369, 370, 373, 383, 387, 393. 
394, 395, 404, 406, 411, 414, 
417, 424, 425, 434, 436. 464, 
465, 506, 546, 550, 568, 569 

Court Martial service 578 

Cowan. Edgar. 285, 360, 478, 528 
Crittenden, W. L. 

Fights with Alex. Hays. ... 15 

In Mexico 91 

Record and fate 24 

Crossman. Col. and Mrs 567 

Cullum Hall 655 

Cullum's Register of West 

Point 14. 18, 19, 25 

Curtin, Gov 125 et seq., 

193, 215, 311, 318, 355, 494 

CORPS — CONFEDERATE. 

Ewell's 455. 502. 601 

Hill's 435, 601, 602 

Jackson's 436 

Stuart's (Cav.) 327 

CORPS— UNION. 

1st 82, 558 

2nd 228, 330, 338, 399, 

400, 401, 402, 451 et seq., 
484, 497. 498. 502 et seq., 
541, 552, 558, 596, 597, 602 

3rd 17, 258, 271, 398, 

426, 514, 520, 541, 557, 560 

4th 237 



5th. 18, 47, 237, 411, 415, 438, 
441, 484, 503, 525, 558, 596 

6th 17 

30, 387. 441, 446, 558, 598 

9th 557, 558, 651 

11th 403 

413, 440, 445, 471, 557, 597 

12th 383, 4\71, 557 

22nd 274, 275, 342 

Dale, Dr. T. F 155 

Dalzell, A. F 125. 698 

Davis, Jefferson 119, 344 

Davis Star Camp S. V 648 

Dent, Frederick 9 

Derby, Geo. H 26 

Dickerson, Mrs. Gen 672 

Dickson, Dr. John 245 

"Dispatch" Articles 621, 659 

Doubleday, Abner 

Misstatements of 426-428 

Revised statements 430 

Dravo, John F 6 

D'Utassy, Col... 293, 295. 299, 
306, 312, 315, 316, 317, 336, 
337, 339-342, 351-355, 359, 
363, 367. 368, 373, 376, 394 

DIVISIONS— CONFEDERATE. 

Early's 463 

Ewell's 50 

Heth's. . .422, 430, 435, 599, 602 

Hill's 436 

Johnston's 455 

Pender's 422, 435, 459, 461 

Pettigrew's 

422, 426, 430, 435, 458, 461 

Pickett's 422, 428, 459, 461 

Trimble's 438, 439 

Wilcox's 603 

DIVISIONS — UNION. 

Abercrombie's 361, 384, 706 

Barlow's 558. 600 

Berry's 258 

Birney's.389, 558, 596, 599, 600 

Blenker's 338 

Caldwell's 

. . . .487, 492, 501 et seq., 505 
Casey's 

4th Corps 225, 228, 230 

22nd Corps 

76, 274, 333. 336, 339, 

342, 345, 351, 353, 358, 360 

Couch's 237, 244 

Crawford's 558 

Doubleday's 403, 404, 427 

French's 287 

Geary's 383 

Getty's. . .596, 599, 600, 601, 602 
Gibbon's 402, 403, 404, 

427, 430, 440. 451. 581. 635 

Gregg's (Cav.) 486 

Griffin's 558 

Hamilton's 202 



Index 



Harrow's 487 

Heinzelman's 150 

Hooker's 228, 237 

Hunter's 136 

Kearney's. 224, 237, 240, 270, 271 

Mott's 561, 599, 601 

Porter's 200, 203 

Prince's 541 

Richardson's 228, 237 

Ricketts' 254, 558 

Robinson's 

403, 410, 440, 451, 462, 558 

Sedgwick's 228 

Stahel's (Cav.) 311 

Steinwehr's 451 

Webb's 411, 505 

HAYS' 
Alex Hays takes command. . . .401 

At Uniontown, Md 403 

At Taneytown 403 

Gettysburg 

On March to 403, 431 

1st Position 403 

2nd Position 412 

3rd Position 452, 460 

In action. . .406, 407, 410, 426 

Casualties 409, 414, 418 

Captures flags.... 409, 410, 
413, 422, 433, 461, 467-469 

Captures arms 413 

Staff 413. 414 

Report of 411, 414, 415 

Hancock's statements 429 

Swinton's account 435 

Demonstration on front line 

437, 458 

Conf. Brigades in front of. 435 

Line at Bryan House 439 

Young's account of 443 

Gen. Bingham's account ... 443 

126th N. Y. account 444 

Itinerary, March from. 414, 415 
Back in Virginia. .. 471 et seq. 

At Cedar Mt 487 

At Auburn 497, 505 

At the Rappahannock 520 

At Mine Run 523 

Roster of Officers 535 

At Morton's Ford 539-545 

Reduced in numbers 547 

Signal Station of 548 

Broken up 562, 703 

Banner and Staff 577 

Brigades of 600 

In the Wilderness 600 

Official orders 549 

Farewell Addresses. 569, 570, 572 

Economites 142, 145 

Efforts for Promotion 

Officers' petition 

554, 573, 575, 576 

Elections (1863) 496, 507 

Elliot, Chas. Jr 158 

Elliott, David 360 



Emerick, Mrs 193 

Episcopal Church 397 

"Evening Chronicle" 

Pittsburgh in the war. .633-637 
Anniversary Tribute 637 

Fair Oaks, Pa 277, 335 

Farley, Gen., quoted 10 

Farrelly, Patrick A 

6, 23, 146, 278, 689, 691 

Faulk, Phil K., quoted 605 

Field Correspondence 

"New York Herald" 604 

108th N. Y 421 

" Pittsburgh Commercial " 

548, 564 

Fitzhugh House 

520, 522, 526, 536, 516 

Flags, Invoices of cap'd 

467, 468, 469 

Fontaine, Lamar 176 

Ford, Miss — a spy 324, 329 

Forts 

Brown 62, 90 

Darling 222 

Donelson 187 

Hays 310, 626 

LaFayette 394 

Jessup 49, 65 

Loretta 79, 80 

Lyon 149, 150, 154. 178 

McHenry 128, 129, 130 

Pillow 583 

Wadsworth 321 

Foster, J. Herron 244 

Franklin. Pa 28 

Frew, Maj. Wm 659 

Fry, J. Reese, quoted. . .47 et seq. 

GENERALS — CONFEDERATE. 

Alexander 437 

Anderson, Geo. T 96 

Armistead 435. 436 

Buckner 15, 36, 657 

Ewell 31, 51, 350 

Field 436 

Garnett, R 436 

Hampton 359 

Hays, H. T 525 

Heth . 29 

Hill, A. P 29, 96, 422. 437 

Jackson, T. J 27 

Johnston 223 

Lee. Fitzhugh 

325, 327, 346, 347, 350, 359 

Lee, R. E 18, 401, 437 

Longstreet. .9, 10, 401. 440, 600 

McLaws 19 

Pettigrew 29 

Pickett 27, 402, 424, 428 

Stuart, J. E. B 329, 359, 471 

Twiggs 90 

Wheeler 331 

Wilcox, Cadmus M 22 



Index 



GENERALS— UNION. 

Abercrombie ^ . 

361, 362, 365, 370, 371, 376, 
379, 380, 381, 383, 386, 388 
393, 395, 397, 399, 404, 707 

Augur 21, 44, 46, 47 

Bailow 558 

Berry 

241, 242, 248, 249, 257, 272 

Birney, D. B 248, 272, 

298, 344, 558, 564, 569, 581 

Brooks 17, 264 

Burnside 

11, 27, 28, 279, 280, 285, 309 

Caldwell 447, 522, 546, 563 

Carr....405, 559, 560, 561, 562 

Casey 31, 223, 228, 

301, 302, 304, 307, 310, 361 

Clitz .23, 644 

Comstock 480 

Couch 223 228, 400 

Doubleday 18, 398, 426-430 

Franklin 9, 20, 124 

Fremont 338 

French, W. H 401, 514 

Geary 82, 383 

Getty 30 

Gibbon, John 28 

Graham 39 8 

Grant, see under. 

Griffin 558 

Halleck 97, 99, 230, 273 

Hamilton, C. S. 16, 21, 91,202, 214 

Hancock 

264, 339, 399, 400, 402, 403, 
405, 428, 558, 559, 562, 599 

Classmate of Hays 

9, 14, 32, 38, 40 

Life of 14 

Anecdote of 14 

Hartranft 638 

Hartsuff 664 

Hays, Wm 30, 401, 

418, 419, 420, 447, 448, 512 
Heintzelman. . .16. 31, 42, 66, 
75. 148, 170, 178, 187, 188, 
202, 220, 243, 258, 274, 277, 
293. 302, 304, 307, 310, 312, 
338, 339, 344. 373, 383, 560 

Herron 334 

Hooker 

16, 31, 188, 228. 270, 309, 
370. 372, 393, 398, 402, 682 

Howard 398 

Humphreys 541, 558 

Hunt 452 

Ingalls 9. 534 

Jameson 137, 155, 163, 

181. 214, 225, 226, 358, 679 

Kearney 137, 214, 224, 

228, 235, 241, 243, 249, 265 

Kilpatrick 563 

McCall 42, 44 



McClellan 25, 

170, 234, 237, 245, 247, 248, 
249, 251, £52, 253, 258, 264, 
267, 272, 273 279, 392, 398 

McDowell 237 

Meade 398, 402, 420, 437, 

438, 445, 547, 557, 581, 587 

Mott 557, 561 

Negley 

. . .81, 120, 122, 546, 620, 672 

Owen 402, 486, 492, 538 

Patrick 31 

Pleasanton 14, 35, 483 

Pope 254, 338 

Porter, F. J... 151, 202, 237, 279 

Quinby 9, 16, 17, 21 

Reno 26, 651 

Reynolds ! 17, 577 

Rice 627 

Richardson 149 

Robinson 

236, 248, 261, 272, 398, 403 

Rowley 82, 200 

Russell 24, 71, 564 

Schurz 3 98 

Sedgwick 17, 564 

Sheridan 558 

Sherman 52, 99 

Slocum 455 

Smith, Chas. F 46, 349 

Smyth, T. A 

401, 412. 413. 554, 703 

Stahel ( 396 

Stoughton, E. H 

298, 310. 330, 332, 359 

Sumner 242, 304 

Sykes IS, 205, 484, 558 

Wadsworth 558, 627 

Walker, F. A 

. .402, 436. 440, 503, 504, 598 

AVard, J. H. H 

398, 558, 561. 569. 586 

Warren, G. K 

478. 480, 484, 492, 498, 499, 
501. 506, 524. 641, 558, 559 

Webb 402, 451, 452, 559 

Williams, Seth IS, 140 

Wright 186 

GRANT, U. S. 

At West Point 8 et seq. 

His Ronimates 9 

Garland's Life of 9, 11, 12 

Letters of 12 

Graduates 21 

Friendship with Buckner.. 36 

In 4th Infy 40 

"Memoirs," quoted 

10 et seq., 41, 42 

At Palo Alto 42 

Intimates, 4th Infy 44 

Grant-Hays daguerrotype. . 65 

Sobriquet, "Sam" 11, 96 

On Pacific Coast 99 



Index 



Seeks Command 132 

Picture sent Hays 205 

Victory 392 

Comes East 547 

Visits Army of tlie Potomac. 549 

Lieutenant-General 557 

Commander-in-Chief 557 

Reorganizes Army of the 

Potomac 557 

Establishes Headquarters at 

Culpepper 559 

Hears of Hay's Death 603 

AL Hays' grave 659 

"Garibaldi Guard" 

337, 338, 354, 562, 546 

(See Regiments, 39th N. Y.) 

Garland, Hamlin, quoted 

9, 10, 11, 12, 42 

Gettysburg, Semi-Centennial. 667 

Goolrick, Judge J. T 649 

Grant, "Personal Memoirs," 

(references) 41, 42 

Grant and Hays Picture 664 

Gray's "Elegy," quoted 502 

"Green Springs" 40 4 

Guerrillas 191 

HAYS, ALEX 

Boyhood 2 

At School 5 

At Allegheny College. ... 5 

At West Point 8 et seq. 

Fellow Cadets 16-40 

Classmates 3 2-40 

At Camp Salubrity 41 

At Corpais Christi 42 

At Palo Alto 42 

At Resaca 45 et seq. 

First to cross Rio Grande. . 48 

On Recruiting Service 49 

Transferred to 8th Inf'y. . . 52 
Describes army service.... 53 

Marriage 61, 62 

At Fort Brown 62 

Writes of Texas service. 63, 64 

Joins Lane's Brjgade 66 

On Lane's Staff 6 7 

Meets Friends in Mexico. 71, 81 

At Huamantla 75 

At Puebla 81 

At Atlixco 8 3 

At Tlascala 8 4 

"Jack" Hays' Rangers 

Present sword 8 5 

At Galaxara 86 

At Tehaucan 88-90 

Pursues Santa Anna . . . . 88- 90 

At Orizaba 90 

At Cordova 90 

Meets Crittendon 91 

At Sequaltiplan 91 

Mention in Orders 93, 9 4 

Longstreet's Reminiscences. 95 
Resigns from Army 95 



Crosses Plains 98 

En route 100-104 

In California 104-111 

Mem'a Cal'a Trip 112 

Returns to Fianklin 113 

In Iron Business 113 

Removes to Pittsburgh .... 113 

Civil Engineer 113 

Lays Out Sewickley 114 

Essay, "U. S. vs. Europe". . . 

115-118 

Appointed Capt. U. S. A. ..119 

In Militia Service 119 

Organizes City Guards 121 

Major; 12th Pa 122 

In Three Months Service.. 

120-133 

Letters Home 125 et seq. 

Writes McClellan 133 

Advertises for Recruits. ... 135 

Appointed Col. Vols 135 

Organizes 63rd Reg 138 

Arrival at Washington .... 139 
In Camp near Washington 

140 et seq. 

Letters from Washington . . 

139 et seq. 

In Franklin's Brigade 144 

At Camp Hays 139, 140 

At Camp Shields 143-148 

At Camp Johnston .. 149 et seq. 
In Heintzelman's Division .. 150 

Mason Correspondence 177 

At Alexandria 190, 198 

At Fortress Monroe. 200 et seq. 

At Yorktown 20 4 et seq. 

At AVilliamsburg 215 

Reports, Peach Orcliard . . . 207 
Near Richmond . 216, 221, 219 
At Cumberland Landing. . . 

219, 220 

At Fair Oaks 223 

Leads companies 226 

At Kearney's Headquarters 

228 

Writes from Fair Oaks 

229 et seq. 

Kearney's Tribute. ... 242, 250 

Kerry's Tribute 243 

Report, Fair Oaks.... 243, 244 
Commands 63rd and 57th 

Regts 244 

Receives Dr. Whitesell 245 

Tribute to Dr. Whitesell ... 246 

At Harrison's Land'ing 247 

Generals ' Recommendation 

to Lincoln 271. 273 

Wounded. . .267, 268. 269. 272 
Appointed Bvigadier . . 273, 635 

Gets leave of absence. 274 

In Washington 277 et seq. 

At Centreville 292 et seq. 

Kindheartedness of 300 

Promotions, U. S. A 335 



Index 



Visits Gen. Stoughton 330 

Reorganizes 39th N. Y 33S 

"Knocks Out Ideas" 229 

Courtmartials d'Utassy. . . . 

341, 373, 37G 

Entertains Soutliern ladies 

345 et seq. 

Prisoners of War sent to. . .247 

Rides to Centreville 254 

Reviews Brigade 371 

Suffers witli eyes 398 

Commands Third Division, 

Second Corps 

401, 402. 439, 442 

Orders to Brigade 401 

Disciplines Second Corps... 399 
Opposed by old friends.... 

406, 464, 035 

Rides battle front 410 

Supplemental Report 415 

Meets Sullivan 416 

Favors attack 429 

Buffalo newspaper describes. 423 

423 

Drags captured flags.. 424, 425 

Converses with Webb 

427, 462, 635 

Report, Battle of Gettysburg. 43 3 
Present Webb captured flags 433 
Escapes death Gettysburg. . 436 
Oliphant's story of Gettys- 
burg 432 

Sends flowers from Bliss 

House 434 

Drills troops under arms. . .439 

Commended in letter 442 

Correspondence with Gen. 

Williams 447, 448 

Babcock's letter to 448 

Concerned about Webb's 

line 451 

Sends Shields to Webb 451 

Sends Shields to Hancock 

and Meade 452 

Hays and Aids remain 

mounted 452 

Trails Confederate colors . . 

(See above) 464, 666 

Rides his line 465 

Confederates note demon- 
stration 465 

Masonic Record 476 

Kennedy's Letter to. 478 et seq. 

Efforts for promotion 

479, 554, 703, 704 

Ivcave of absence 481 

Reports, Auburn and Bristoe 

504 

Sword presented 508, 530 

I-etter accepting sword.... 532 

Tribute of 126th N. Y 538 

At Morton's Ford 

539 et seq., 544 

Official Report of 543 



Eulogized 549 

"His Shotted Coat"... 547, 552 
Reviews Second Division . . . 

552, 553, 554, 703, 704 

Correspondence with Gen. 

Williams 559 

Calls on Grant 563, 580 

Mrs. Rickard's account. 567, 568 
On Court Martial Service. . 

570, 571, 578, 586 

Attends Gibbon's Review.. 581 
Offered Command Pa. Re- 
serves 587 

Meets Grant 587 

In Battle of Wilderness. . . .598 

Killed 598 

Abbott's tribue 59» 

Humphrey's account of 

. death 600 

Swinton's account 601 

Schaff's account 602 

Gen. Porters' account of... 602 

Copee's tribute 603 

Grant's tribute 603 

N. Y. Herald account 604 

Faulk's tribute 605 

"Pittsburgh Chronicle's" ac- 
count of 605 

"Butler Times" account of 

a sword 605 

Hays' swords. .. .605, 609, 615 

Sullivan's account of 609 

First news of death in Pitts- 
burgh 610 

Obsequies 610, 611-625 

Ceremonies 610, 611-625 

Officers attending funeral 

616 et seq. 

Funeral cortege 616, 617 

"Buffalo Commercial" ac- 
count 616 

Pallbearers 616 

Newspaper accounts of 

funeral 617 et seq. 

Editorial tributes 612,-625 

In Story and Song. . . .626- 629 

Commemorations 626 

His Motto 631, 648 

"Chronicle's" acount of . . . 

633-636 

Kearney's embrace 637 

Monument at West Point.. 640 
Monument at Franklin, Pa. 640 
Contributes to West Point 

Monument 644 

McCalmont's tribute 651 

Testimonials 652 

Pearson's tribute 563 

Riog. mention 656 

Grant at Hays' grave 659 

MacDougall's tribute 660 

Watrous' tribute 660-663 

Mrs. Wilson's tribute 663 

Warner's tribute 664, 665 



Index 



Sloss', Sergeant, tribute. . . .666 

Col. Potter's tribute 667 

Saves Serg. Smith 667 

Bailey's tribute 668 

Editor's tribute 678, 680 

Captain 699 

Associates, 4th and 8th Inf y 

69"B- 698 

Officers' Testimonial .. 704, 705 
Pa. Legislature Memorial . . 
705, 706 

HAYS FAMILY 

Gen. Samuel 

1, 119, 134, 201, 681 

Mrs. Agnes Hays 1 

Mrs. Eleanor 1 

David B. Hays 6, 148 

James P. Hays 63 

Eleanor Hays Pearson 5 

GEN. ALEX. HAYS' FAMILY 

Mrs. Annie A 61, 63, 378 

Passed by War Department . 292 

Arm Broken 537 

Death of 672 

(See also under letters) 
Agnes Hays. 168, 201, 375, 
420, 566, 580, 585, 595, 607 

Alden 

149, 184, 219, 275, 276, 
289, 304, 399, 405, 407, 
408, 420, 545, 565, 579. 648 

Alfred Pearson 368, 576 

Gilbert A 64, 

149, 204, 308, 407, 430, 607 

"Little Jim" 

184, 204, 368, 510, 585 

Martha. 289, 290, 291, 295, 369 

Rachel 173, 

175, 181, 563, 570. 578, 580 

Hager, Louis 342 

Hale, Susan, quoted 90 

Harrison, Mrs. Burton. .. 342, 
343, 344, 345. 346, 349, 3511 

quoted 346 

Haskell, Col., quoted 455 

Hay, Alexander (not Hays) . . 81 
Hays-Crittendon difficulty. ..656 

Hays Post No. 3, G. A. R 125 

Hays, Samuel. 134, 551, 634, 622 

Henry, Thomas, M. C 8 

Herron, Wm. A 396 

"High School Days," quoted. . 

190, 191 

"High Water Mark" 402, 460 

Hepburn, Judge and Mrs. ..408 
History, 126th N. Y. Vols. 

quoted 67, 324. 503, 504 

Holmes, John K., poem 627 

Holt, Judge 351 

Horses. 105, 126, 141, 164, 194, 
266. 278, 282, 288, 289. 297, 
299, 303, 314, 315, 317, 337, 
356, 372, 383, 384, 387, 389, 
399, 406, 409, 410, 471, 472, 



473, 474, 475, 477, 486, 488, 
489, 490, 508, 539, 550, 552, 
564-566, 576, 578, 591, 594 

Howard, Gen., quoted 47 

Howe, Thos. M 610 

Hoyt, Surg. Chas. S 371 

Humphreys, Gen., quoted. 95, 599 

Hyde, Eugenia C 

342, 345, 349, 350 

Inscriptions 

On Rebel flags 461, 463 

Itinerary, Gettysburg Cam- 
paign 414, 415, 700-702 

Jameson, Mrs 

159, 170, 182, 184, 192, 214 

Kane, Elisha Kent 86 

Kennedy, Jos. C. G 351 

King, Gen. Chas., quoted 23 

"Kilmansegg, Miss"; quotation 

152, 170, 577, 585 

Kennedy, Lieut. T. R 

7, 284, 287, 

289, 290, 313, 344, 355, 358, 
359, 361 et seq., 369, 371, 
383, 285, 393, 395, 407, 411, 
475, 477, 478, 480, 491, 529 
"Kenridge" (Hays home) .... 

308, 360, 475, 536 

Knap, Capt. J. M 620 

Knox, Thos. W., quoted 430 

Kosciusko Monument 15, 31 

Ladd, H. 0., quoted 78 

"Lady of the Lake"; quoted. . 

582, 476 

Lee's Invasion, Pa 401 

Leet, Daniel 590 

Lincoln, President 402, 679 

"Lincoln and Stanton" 

554, 555, 585 

Linton. . . .61, 164, 183, 203, 
204, 275, 295, 301, 303, 307 

Little, Geo. W 533 

"Littell's Living Age"; quoted. 628 

Lodge, H. G., quoted 83 

Longstreet's Assault 

27. 416, 424, 

425, 427, 433, 436, 462, 635 
Longstreet, Helen D., quoted 

43, 44 

Longstreet, James, quoted .... 

10, 42, 43, 44, 52, 65, 95 

Lopez. Expedition 24 

"Lorena" 171, 293 

Lowry, Mayor 618 

LETTERS — HAYS, ALEX 

To Mrs. Hays 

104, 108, 125-132, 139- 
142, 144, 148-152, 154, 
156, 159-161. 163. 167- 
171, 183, 186, 189, 192, 
195, 196, 199, 203, 204, 
206, 208, 211-214, 215, 
219, 221, 222, 229, 231, 



Index 



233, 


238, 


239. 


254, 


255. 


264. 


265, 


272, 


276. 


277, 


280, 


281, 


284, 


285, 


286, 


289, 


290, 


310, 


312, 


314, 


316. 


323, 


335, 


353, 


354, 


356, 


358, 


360, 


361, 


369, 


371, 


372, 


375, 


383, 


384. 


388. 


391, 


392. 


404. 


406. 


409. 


416, 


419. 


471. 


472. 


475. 


480, 


481. 


482. 


485. 


487. 


492, 


et 


seq.. 


502, 


508, 


510, 


512 - 


514, 


515 - 


517. 


521 


- 527. 


539. 


546, 


550. 


553, 


559, 


562. 


563, 


564. 


565, 


569, 


570, 


573, 


575, 


578, 


579, 


580, 


581, 


582, 


585, 


586, 


587, 


593 - 595 


To John B 


. McFadden 








. .146, 


, 150, 
171, 


157, 


162, 


165, 


167, 


173, 


179, 


182, 


185, 


187, 


198, 


201, 


209, 


210, 


214, 


215. 


217. 


2:8, 


221, 


229, 


232, 


233. 


234, 


240, 


287. 


297, 


304. 


305, 


317, 


333, 


356, 


368. 


370, 


386, 


387, 


391, 


404, 


409, 


418. 


471, 


473. 


476. 


498, 


500, 


506, 


511, 


514. 


517, 


533. 


547. 


582, 590 



To Rachel McFadden 

196, 197, 358, 359, 

To Mrs. McFadden. . . .420, 

To Gov. Curtin 

To Mrs. Crosman 

To Gen. Sam'l Hays 

To John P. Penney 

To Capt. Porter 

To P. C. Shannon 

To G. W. Murphy 

Hays. Mrs. 

To Asnes 183. 294. 

To John B. McFadden 

394, 397. 399 

405. 407. 536, 539, 545. 

To Mrs. McFadden 

173. 174. 180. 307. 



393 
499 
588 
567 
551 
573 
332 
575 
100 

397 



547 

528 



To Rachel McFadden 

. . . .293, 301. 395, 407, 534 

To Sec'y Cameron 134 

To Col. North 638 

Bailey, C. S.. to Gilbert A. 

Hays 669-671 

To H. E. Woernlie 668 

Berry to Alex Hays.... 242. 243 

Birney to Alex Hays 335 

Buckner to Gilbert A. Hays. . .657 
Corts to Mrs. Hays 333, 343 

To J. B. McFadden 

143. 265. 385 

Curtin, Gov., to Alex Hays. . .555 
Hancock to Alex Hays.. 560. 568 

To Mrs. Hays 65, 426 

Heinzelman to Gov. Curtin. . .260 



Hunter, Jos. R. to Alex Hays. 529 
Kennedy, Capt., to Mrs. Hays 

351, 361, 375 

Klrkwood, Col., to J. B. Mc- 
Fadden 311, 321 

MacDougall, Gen., to Gilbert 

A. Hays 430, 660 

McCalmont, Judge J. S., to 

Alden Hays 654 

To Gilbert A. Hays 561 

Dougall, Gen., to Gilbert A. 

Hays 430 

McGranahan to Alex. Hays. . .260 

To Mrs. Hays 236, 249 

To J. M. McGranahan 389 

To J. B. McFadden 319 

Marks, Rev. to R. H. Millar. 655 
Meade, Gen., to Gen Halleck. .420 

Meade, Gen., to his son 438 

North, G. H.. to Mrs. Hays. . .638 

Pearson to Alden Hays 653 

Shields. Thos. L., to Alex Hays. 588 
Stanton, E. L., to Mrs. Hays. .555 
Tod, Gov., to Alex Hays.... 482 
Warner, Wm. H. to Gilbert A. 

Hays 664. 665 

Watrous. Gen., to Gilbert A. 

Hays 660-663 

McDonald, Mrs. J. Sharp; and 

Quartette 647 648 

McCalmont, Jud,£;e J. S 6, 18 

McCulley. John W 620 

McFadden Family 

Annie (See Mrs. Hays also) 

61. 62. 63 

Dr. James A 150 

James B 

149. 173, 369, 397. 554. 609 
John B. .61, 63, 138, 177, 
190, 277, 610. 611. 676, 678 

Thomas 215 

Lieut. "Tom" 369 

Rachel 142. 152. 

154. 160, 172, 180, 181, 
196. 197, 213. 214. 216. 
219. 231. 317, 357. 358. 
360. 371, 395. 675. 676, 337 

McGranahan, Adj. W. M 

138, 198, 203, 

208, 213, 236, 237. 238. 241. 
247. 249, 257, 321, 389, 679 

McMillen, Wm 369, 496 

Marcey, Sec'y; Report of 95 

Mann, W. B 154 

Mason, George. .175, 176. 178, 179 
Mayer. Brantz, quoted. 77. 83, 87 

Meade, Gen., quoted 16. 41 

Meade's Headquarters 

403, 452. 453 

MEXICAN WAR, TOWNS, ETC. 

Alcancingo 90 

Amasoque 91 

Convent, Guadelope 82 



Index 



Corpus Christi 56, 65 

Cuartel San Jose 80 

El Pinel 78 

Hacienda, San Antonia Ta- 

maris 74, 77 

Jalapa 70-72 

La Hoya 72 

Matamoras 85, 86 

Medelin River 68 

Monterey 46, 47, 51 

National Bridge 69 

Napoloucan 74, 78 

Perote 73 

Orizaba 70, 72, 89, 90 

Plan Del Rio 70 

Puebla 

42, 79 etseq., 87, 90, 91, 95 

Puente Del Rey 69 

Resaca 17, 42, 117, 215 

Rio Frio 92 

Santa Clara 88 

Santa Fe 68 

Sequaltiplan (see Zacultoplan) 

Tehaucan 76, 88, 90 

Tepiacuala 73 

Tlascala 84, 83 

Tulancingo 92 

Vera Cruz 66, 71, 90, 118 

"Monitor," The. 205, 209, 213, 307 
Monuments 

Hays', In Allegheny Cemetery 

1st (1866) 641 

Rebuilt (1901) 643 

Ceremonies at 642, 643 

Inscriptions on 642-644 

Wilderness 645 

Soldiers' at Franklin, Pa. . .651 
Pittsburgh Gazette's ac- 
count of 646-651 

Ceremonies at 647-649 

Moorhead. J. K 163 

Munson, J. W., quoted 325 

Murphy, Francis 659 

Murphy, Geo. W.IOO, 111, 167, 
209, 255, 477, 502, 525, 577 

Mrs. Geo. W 100 369 

Murphy, Sydney 209 

Mutiny in Co. C, 12th Pa. 129-130 

Natchitoches, La 19, 38 

Norton, Allen H 9, 19 

Nightengale, Henry 671 

OFFICERS — CONFEDERATE. 

Colston, Lieut 437 

Embrey, Maj 647 

Fairfax, Lieut 346 

Gregory, Adj 606, 607 

Mosby, Col 324 etseq., 359 

Prentiss, Lieut 327 

Ruffin, Col... 499, 501, 502, 505 

OFFICERS— UNION, CIVIL WAR. 

Officers, Cor^panies, U. S. 

4th Inf'y 43 52, 691, 692 

8th Inf'y 693, 694 etseq. 



Of Third Division, 2nd Corps, 

535, 704 

Of 9th Pa. Res 81, 268, 269 

Of 11th Pa. Vols 287 

Allen, Col. Harrison. . . .303, 306 

Allen, Col. E. J 303 

Arnold, Capt 553, 577 

Averill, jCol 244 

Bachia, Lt. Col 244. 245 

Baker, Lieut. A. W 349 

Baker, Col. L. C 362, 364 

Bacon, Capt 316 

Balrd, Lt. Col 554, 704 

Berdan, Col. Hiram 589 

Barker, Capt 325, 326 

Bicknell, Lieut 438 

Biddle, Maj. W 398 

BiscacciantI, Capt 

293, 314, 316, 322 

Boisol, Capt. D 

286, 288, 289, 290, 678, 679 

Brown, Capt. Morris Jr 425 

Brown, Adj. L S 425 

Brownson, Capt. A. A. G- . . . . 

414, 463, 468, 469 

Bull, Lt. Col 

412, 444, 496, 499, 505 

Campbell, Col. Chas. T. . . .188, 

208, 226, 228, 288, 289, 589 
Campbell, Col. David 

121, 129, 132, 133, 146 

Carroll, Col. S. S 

412, 417, 466, 553, 600, 704 
Childs, Col. James H 

. .42, 121, 124, 131, 150, 699 
Crawford, Div'n Surg. 139,142, 

147, 160, 161, 163, 166, 181 

Crandell, Lt. Col 419, 704 

Creely, Lieut 305, 314 

Coons, Col. John... 419, 554, 704 
Coulter, Col. R 

287, 288, 398, 410 

Dale, Lt. Col 420, 587 

Davis, Lt. Col. T. H 554, 704 

Frank, Col 581 

Egan, Col 263 

Ekin, Col 122, 135 

Ellsworth, Col 122, 178, 180 

Fe.ssenden, Col 352, 379, 707 

Fogg, Lieut 544 

Foulk, Lt. Col 616, 619 

Hardie, A. A. G 372 

Gazzam, Maj 529 

Geddis, Lieut 444 

Harper, Lt. A. M. 

507, 512, 525, 587 

Hastings, Capt 305, 314, 

367, 377, 378, 379, 380 385 

Haskell, Col 450, 454, 455 

Hildebrandt, Maj 

241, 317, 338, 413 

Hopper, Maj 453 

Houghton, Lieut. Col.... 596, 630 
Huston, Lieut 414 



Index 



Johnston, Capt 569 

Johnstone, Lieut. Col 326 

Jones, Capt 367 

Judkins, Lieut 577 

Kane, Capt 120 

Lansing, Col 214 

Leasure, Adj 122, 270 

Lincoln, Lieut- 538, 542 

Lockwood, Col 

540, 544, 586, 704 

Lynch, Col. James C. .496,506, 544 

Lujeane, Col 144, 149 

Ludington, Capt 414 

MacDougall, Col 

332, 412, 430 et seq., 460, 463 
McCalmont, Col. A. B.13, 398, 566 

McKnight, Col 143, 144, 185 

Maxwell, Col. Wm..l85, 186, 188 

Meyer, Lt. Col 554, 704 

Miles. Col. D. S 90, 306 

Negley, Capt. W. B- 120 

O'Connor, Lieut, provost mar. 708 
Oliphant, Lt. Col 

280, 281, 287, 289, 423 

Patterson, Col. J. W 602 

66, 413, 506, 539, 544 

Porter, Col. A 136 

Potter, Capt. C. H 243 

Potter, Col. W. E 

413, 506, 539, 544. 66 

Proctor, Col. R 379, 707 

Puleston, Col 370, 566 

Queen, Capt 414, 546, 569 

Riddle, Maj. W. H 577 

Rippey, Col 

81, 146. 153. 154, 200, 620 
Roberts, Col. R. B 

128, 172, 173, 

314, 315, 336, 373, 374, 387 

Rowley, Gen 200 

Sailer, Lieut 

305, 316, 322. 337, 

352, 353, 354, 359, 361, 363. 
364, 371, 373, 376. 383, 385 

Sawyer, Lt. Col.... 440, 461, 462 

Schreiber, Capt. R. 

293. 295, 302, 310, 

313. 316, 322, 336. 351, 352, 

353, 355, 359, 367, 388, 394 

Scott, Brig. Surg 413, 609 

Sherburne, A. A. G 349 

Sherrill, Col 

179, 378, 412, 422, 423 

Simons, Chap 447 

Slipper, Capt 

366, 377, 378, 380, 381 

Smith, Maj. W. F 554, 704 

Stagg, Col 314, 322 

Sterling, Maj 398 

Stockton, Col 369 

Sweeney, Col. T. W 144 

Thompson, Capt Jas 

254, 472, 489, 521 

Thomson, Capt. Wm 360, 363 



Todd, Capt 349 

Warner, Lieut 665 

Waterbury, Lieut 379 

Whyte, Lieut 577 

Williams, Col. D. H 399 

Willard, Col 305, 

402, 404, 405, 416, 466, 679 
Woodruff, Lieut 678 

OFFICERS: 

12th Pa. Vols., 63rd Pa. Vols. 
(See under Regiments.) 

OFFICERS — MEXICAN WAR. 

Allen. Capt. Geo. W 43 

Alvord, Capt 71 

Anderson, Maj. R. ..67 et seq., 74 

Baibour, Lieut 45, 47 

Beardsley, Col 20, 50, 51, 52 

Be.sancon, Capt 76 

Bowman, Maj 73 

Brackett, Lieut 67, 68 

Brcugh, Col 66 

Brown, Maj. Jacob 44 

Buchanan, Capt 45, 47 

Butler, Gen. W 87. 92 

Cadwallader, Gen 69 

Charlton, Capt 81 

Childs, Col. Thomas... 42, 71, 80 

Cochrane, Lieut 46, 48 

Daggett, Capt 92 

Dominguez, Capt 87, 92 

Dumont, Lieut. Col. 75, 79, 86, 87 

Field, Lieut 66, 84, 96 

Guthrie, Capt 82 

Harney, Gen 68 

Gorman, Col 67 

Herron, Capt. John 80 

Hays, Col. John Coffee (Jack) 

85, 87, 90, 92, 108 

Hughes, Col 70 

Kendrick, Capt 80 

Kessler, Capt 91 

Lally, Major 70, 71, 79 

Lane. Gen. Jos 42, 

49. 50, 66-97, 119, 437, 634 

Lewis, Capt 66, 86 

Lucas. Lt. Col 66 

Mcintosh, Lt. Col 44, 45 

Marshall. Gen 90 

May, Capt 44, 45 

Moor, Lt. Col 66, 91 

Morehead, Capt 82, 163 

Patterson, Gen 87 

Pierce. Gen Franklin. 69, 90, 119 

Polk, Maj 87, 90 

Porter, Capt 82 

Pratt, Lieut 66 

Pugh. Capt 66, 88, 94 

Quitman, Gen 50 

Reeve, Col 50, 51 

Richey, Lieut. J. A 46 

Ridgeley, Lt. Henderson ... 43, 86 

Ridgeley, Lt. Randolph 71 

Ringgold, Capt 44 



Index 



Roberts, Capt 86 

Scott, Gen. Winfield 

43, 84, 94, 131 

Simmons, Col 66 

Stevens, Lieut, (drowned)... 49 

Taylor, Gen. Zachary 

30, 46, 47, 48, 50, 59, 65 

Taylor.Capt. George 66, 96 

Vose, Col 41 

Walker, Capt 48, 73, 74, 76 

Walker, Capt 48, 73, 74, 76 

Wynkoop, Col 74, 77 

Worth, Gen 32, 43 

Officers, Invalided home from 

Mexico 50 

Obituaries: 

Mrs. Hays 673, 676 

John B. McFadden. . .676, 677 
Rachel McFadden ....675, 676 
Official Correspondence, Re- 
garding rank 559, 562 

Official Notification of Preced- 
ence 372 

Official Orders, War Dept....273 
Official Records, quoted. 329, 332 
Official Reports 

Hays at Gettysburg. . .370, 411 

Gettysburg 411, 415 

Oliver, H. W., Jr 125, 699 

Oswandel, J. J., quoted 

67, 74, 83, 95, 97 

ORGANIZATIONS — MEXICAN. 
WAR. 

u. s. 

1st Infantry 90 

2nd Infantry 66 

3rd Infantry 44, 45 

4th Infantry 

O 1 Q 21 

27, 39, 42. 43, 52, 694, 696 
5th Infantry. . . .44, 45, 50, 90 

7th Infantry 44. 66 

8th Infantry 19, 28, 

43, 51, 52, 405, 691, 696, 698 

9th Infantry 71, 81 

11th Infantry 8 2 

19th Infantry 405 

Dragoons 

1st 44 

2nd 44, 49 

3rd 80 

Regiments 

4th Indiana. 66, 67, 70, 79, 84 
4th Ohio. . . .66, 68, 70, 79, 84 

Ist Pa 73, 82 

2nd Pa 82 

Cavalry 

Besancon's Troop 76 

Lewis' Troop 69 

Mounted Rifles 76, 78 

Battalions 

Lally's 75, 79 

Simmon's 74 



Painter, Jacob 387 

Paxton, Rev. Dr., Delivers 

funeral sermon 611, 616 

Pearson, Anna 62 

Pearson, Judge John J 

5, 62, 130, 622, 652 

Peck, Wm. G 33 

"Penna. at Gettysburg," 

quoted 443 

Penny, J. P 580, 584 

Philadelphia 276 

"Phoenix, John" 26 

Photographs, exchanged 538 

"Pickett's Charge". 416, 446, 459 
Pickett, Lasalle Corbell, quoted 28 

Picket lines 340, 341 

Pierpont, P. H 7 

"Pittsburgh Chronicle" .. 530, 658 
"Pittsburgh Commercial" .... 

571, 611 

"Pittsburgh Dispatch," articles 

621, 659 

"Pittsburgh Gazette" 

Articles 646-651 

Letters in 268 

"Pittsburgh Post" 

Articles 373, 541 

Letters in 258 

Pittsburgh Soldiers in Mexico 

81, 82 

Poems, relating to Alex Hays 

By J. W. Calver 631, 648 

By J. K. Holmes 627 

By E. B. Houghton 630 

By Peter Keil, Jr 633 

By Caroline Mason 628 

"In Memoriam" 629 

Porter, Gen. Horace, quoted.. 602 

Price, Mrs. Margaret 245 

Railroads 

Northern Central 128 

Orange and Alexandria.... 
265, 347, 400, 471, 505, 570 
Warrenton and Alexandria. 557 

Rarey Method 312 

Rebellion Records, quoted. . . .600 

"Red Patch," quoted 144 

Refugees at Union Mills. 344 364 
Reid, Capt., account of Battle 

Fair Oaks 224-229 

Removal of Ordnance 115 

Reports 

Berry's 243 

Daily Report of 63rd Pa. 

(March 2, 1863) 320 

Hays' 207, 243, 244 

Heinzelman's 243 

Kearney's 242 

McClellan's 546, 547 

Provost Marshall 708 

Rickards Family 567, 567 

Ripley, R. S., quoted. 83, 146, 200 
Rives, Geo. L., quoted. 78, 83, 97 
Robinson, Fayette, quoted. . . . 
43 et seq. 



Index 



Rochester, N. Y. Newspaper 
clippings 441 

Rodgers, "Capt" 

229, 231, 232, 233 

REGIMENTS — UNION. 

1st Del 402, 411, 415 

14th Conn 

402, 411, 432, 443, 503 

14th Ind 403, 546 

20th Ind 236, 270, 312, 546 

4th Me 258 

17th Me 596, 601 

Isit Md. Cav 130 

1st Mass Sharp Shooters. .. 43 8 

13th Mass 665, 666 

1st Mich 314, 322, 323 

2nd N. Y 405 

4th N. Y 402 

5th N. Y. (Cav.). 325 326, 708 
10th N. Y. (Batt'n) . . .402, 452 

12th N. Y 

402, 411, 432, 443, 503, 666 

17th N. Y 214 

37th N. Y 242 

39th N. Y 

293, 306, 337, 338, 339, 342, 
371, 410, 412, 422, 503, 543 

40th N. Y 261 

87th N. Y.186, 223, 225, 244, 252 

108th N. Y 

402 440, 441, 443, 668. 670 

111th N. Y 306, 

371, 297, 412, 431, 432, 463 

125th N. Y 298. 299, 

306, 371, 405, 406, 412. 541 

126th N. Y 306. 315, 369, 

371, 374, 379, 412, 422. 425, 
444, 503, 504, 538, 602, 637 

169th N. Y 349 

1st Ohio Cav 431 

4th Oliio 460, 462 

Sth Ohio 417, 

422, 439, 459, 460, 462, 466 

1st Pa 80 

1st Pa. Cav 123 

1st Pa. Reserves 

128, 172. 314, 315, 

317, 322, 333, 335, 357, 387 

4th Pa. Cav 124. 131, 150 

Sth Pa. Res 66 

9th Res 66 

10th Res 22 

11 Pa 287, 410 

12th Pa. Vols 

121. 122, 335. 634. 698. 699 

Field and Staff 122 

Officers (See under Officers) 
Bonnafon, Sergt. Maj.... 

122, 123, 699 

Denny. Capt. Wm. C 

. . . .81, 122-124, 150. 699 
McGiffin, Lt. Col. 81, 122. 130 



Morgan, Lieut. A. S. M. 
(See under 63rd Regt, 6 

Stewart, Capt. J. H 

13th Pa. Cav 

13th Pa 82, 

23rd Pa 22, 186, 

28th Pa 382, 

13th Pa. Cav 

13th Pa 82, 

23rd Pa 22, 186, 

28th Pa 382, 

49th Pa 

57th Pa 

207, 208. 228, 230, 234, 242, 
245. 254, 262, 569, 574, 

61st Pa 81 186, 

62d Pa 155, 

6Sth Pa 574, 575, 

69tri Pa 

71st Pa 403, 

72nd Pa 

82nd Pa 

88th Pa 438, 

99th Pa 143, 

100th Pa 

101st Pa 143. 

102nd Pa 82, 

105th Pa.. 143, 186. 223, 225, 
230. 270, 569. 574, 575, 

139th Pa 507, 

155th Pa 124, 125, 313, 

16th U. S. Inf 136, 



98) 
698 
120 
133 
248 
383 
120 
133 
248 
383 
264 



589 
387 
667 
589 
432 
453 
432 
399 
440 
262 
270 
262 
602 



580 
602 
314 
272 



U. S. Sharpshooters 575, 589 

6th Wisconsin 454 

36th Wisconsin 454 

63rd PENNSYLVANIA 

29, 81, 143. 144. 153, 

178, 179. 182, 183, 184. 188, 
191 194, 195, 198, 201, 202, 
206, 208, 210, 223, 224, 228, 
230, 234, 235. 242, 243, 244, 
245. 247, 248, 249, 254, 270, 
271, 284, 319, 320. 321. 385, 
391, 397. 398. 615, 616, 634 
Field and Staff Officers. . . .139 

Officers 143 144, 153 

Records of Officers of 694 

Officers discharged 261 

Song, "Bully Old 63d".... 157 

Bagaley. Capt 147. 192. 

233. 238, 253, 257, 283. 699 
Berringer, Capt. 224, 230. 233 
Brown. Lieut. ...193, 206. 214 
Chalmers, Capt 

124, 176, 191, 699 

Chapman, Capt... 143, 173, 

190. 191, 195, 201. 679. 699 

Cochran, Lieut 236 

Danks, Col. .141, 145, 152. 

153, 156, 174, 201, 220, 

222, 229, 230, 312. 298. 589 

Dougherty, Capt 398 

Fulton, Capt 241. 679 



Index 



Gray, Lieut 24, 279 

Gross, Lieut. 192, 193 282, 283 

Hanna, Capt 172, 208 

Haymaker, Q. M.193, 230, 398 
Kirkwood, Col.152, 171, 173,. 
186, 208, 220, 227, 230, 
231, 233, 236, 237, 239, 
245, 261, 267, 268, 273, 
319, 322, 383, 391, 398, 679 

Laufman, Lieut 355 

Lysle, Lieut 

. . . .175, 190, 191, 201, 679 

McMorris, Surg 261 

McClelland, Lieut. 192, 193, 208 

McCullough, Maj 679 

McGonagle, Lieut 161 

McHenry, Capt 139, 

171, 173, 174, 176, 212, 477 

Marks, Chaplain 122, 

139, 141, 145, 168, 174, 
175, 190, 191, 197, 280, 
495, 513, 514 516, 517, 655 

Maynard, Capt 

321, 398, 514. 679 

Millar, Capt 655 

Morgan, Lt. Col 121, 

132, 139, 140, 153, 175, 
181, 183, 186, 190, 191, 
192, 198, 200, 207, 208, 
222, 224, 229, 263, 312, 699 

Ormsbee, Capt 

143, 180, 181, 182 

Reid, Capt 

155, 163, 185, 223, 225, 239 
Rogers, Surg. 139, 160, 196, 212 

Ryan, Maj 

239, 319, 321, 322, 398 

Sclionlow, Lieut 

160, 163, 165, 181 

Wallace, Maj 

. . . .121, 137, 175, 194, 210 
Williams, Lieut. A. G.605, 606 

Young, Adj 176 

SOLDIERS 63rd PENNA. 

Calligan 319 

Clark, Chester N 262 

Crow, Eliphalet 206 

Davis, William 257 

Davis, Corp 23 9 

Delo, Sgt 226 

Dunmire, Corp 224 

Elgin, Sgt 226 

Emerick 193, 229, 231 

Gibbon 262, 405, 558 

Holpinger 285, 288 

Irwin, Sgt 206 

Keil. Peter, Jr 632 

Kiddoo. Sgt 124, 260 

Klinefelter 181, 184, 201 

McKee, Robert D 190, 191 

Martin, Thos. H 648 

Moore, Cyyus. . . . 190, 191, 192 

Morrow, W. H 652 

Mowry, Sgt 148, 156, 192 



Peters, Sgt 311 

Rhees 226 

Rodgers, John 229 

Thomas, Corp 171 

Thompson 208 

Voerhauer 284 

REGIMENTS — CONFEDERATE. 

Ala. 13th 436, 461 

Miss. 2nd 436 

11th 436 

N. C. 1st 501 

13th 436 

Kith 401 

21st 463 

52nd 461 

Tenn. 1st 461 

Va. 40th 436 

47th 436 

Rosier, Henry 172, 183 

ROSTERS 

Field and Co. Officers 

4th U. S. Inf 691-692 

8th U. S. Inf 693-694 

Troops in Dep't at Washing- 
ton 70 7 

Hays' Brigade, 22nd Corps. 707 
U. S. Military Academy 

(Faculty) 682-686 

West Point Graduates 

(1841-1847) 686-689 

Russell, A. L 318 

Sanitary Fair 

550, 567, 577, 583, 675 

Sanitary Reunion 659 

Santa Anna 74, 76 

Escapes capture 88, 89 

Schaff, Morris 601 

Tribute 649, 650 

Scott Legion 620 

Hcott, Winfield, quoted 94 

Sewickley Guards 120 

Shannon, P. C 580, 584 

Sherrill, Mrs. Col 33 7 

Shields, David... 15, 145, 149, 
150. 152, 155, 162, 174, 181, 
195, 213, 215, 216, 231, 234, 
239, 267, 279, 280, 282, 284, 
299, 301, 302, 306. 308, 309, 
310, 313, 316, 323, 325, 329, 
330, 338, 339, 340, 341, 343, 
346, 352, 353, 355, 356, 357, 
359, 360, 361, 363, 368, 371, 
373, 376, 382, 383, 384, 385, 
388, 389, 391, 393, 394, 397, 
404, 406, 410, 411, 414, 417, 
424, 425, 434, 436, 464, 465, 
470. 475. 491, 506, 533, 539, 
et .seq., 544, 545, 547, 548. 
588, 589, 590, 592, 608, 647 

Shields Rebecca 

155, 156, 160, 169, 

185, 197, 213, 216, 287, 393 



Index 



Shields, Thos. L 588, 590 

Shields, Lieut. Wm. C. ..375, 382 
"Siege of Corinth," quoted. . . . 

594, 650, 665 

Smith, J. M. Dr 253 

Sobriquets 96 

Speer's plow factory 231 

Stanton, Sec'y 151, 

256, 293, 370, 385, 528, 679 

Stanton, Mrs 

181, 182, 282, 294 

STEAMERS 

Alexandria 178, 194 

America 199 

Aanaconda 187 

Champion 198 

Montreal 264 

San Francisco, Lost 96 

Stevensburg ...525, 526, 527, 
533, 534, 537, 538, 546-553, 
559, 562-565, 567, 569, 597 

Stewart, Rev 181 

Stewartson 160, 361 

"Story of a Cannoneer," 

quoted 567 

Stoughton's Bitters 333 

Sullivan, Capt. J. S 

415, 416. 433. 437, 491, 506, 
521, 544, 546, 548, 569, 608 

SOLDIERS — UNION. 

Bailey, C. S 669. 671 

Carroll, Corp 

410, 417, 419, 431, 434, 435 

Dierst, Fred 130 

Hitchcock, Sgt 

431, 432, 433, 434 

Peterman, Wm., orderly 431 

Smith, Wm. H 667 

Sloss, Sgt 665 

Tanner, Corp. James 186 

Thornton, J., orderly. . . .431, 481 

Torrence. Ell 268 

Wiseman, Joshua, orderly .... 402 
Swinton. Wm., quoted.. 435, 601 

SWORD PRESENTATION, 
(Notes on). 
Acceptance by Alex Hays. . .532 

Contributors to 53 2 

"Pittsburgh Chronicle" .... 530 
"Pittsburgh Commercial" .. 531 

"Sewickley Herald" 608 

Sullivan's account of 609 

Tablets at West Point 651 

Telegrams 

Stanton of Alex Hays' death. 610 
Testimonials to Alex Hays... 652 

Texas Rangers 92 

Thompson Station. Pa 638 

"Toledo Blade" (Nasby) 477 



Tomes, Robert, quoted 97 

"The Trefoils" 404 

"Tythables," Fauquier Co.502, 510 
"Under Red Patch" 

References to 47, 157 

Quoted 271, 598, 652 

U. S. Military Hospital at Pgh.621 
U. S. Service Magazine, quoted 

423, 634 

U. S. vs. Europe. Essay .. 155-118 
"Venango Spectator," quoted. 119 

Victory Furnace 113 

Victory Monument 640 

Volcano Diggings 108 

Walker, Gen., quoted 

402, 436, 440. 503, 504 598 
Watrous, Gen., Tribute of . . . . 

660, 661, 678 

Watson, Madam 369 

West Confederate Avenue. ... 460 
West Point (U. S. M. A.) 

Bibliography of 10, 26 

Classes — 1840-1847 .. 13, et seq. 
Cullum's Register. .14, 18, 19, 23 

Curriculum 13 

Graduates 

1840-1947; 16-40 

(See Appendix C). 
1840 and previous to. . . . 30 

History 31 

Noted Professors 14 

Routine and Studies. .10 et seq. 

Weyman, Wm. P 150, 154 

White, H. A., quoted 95 

White, Judge J. W. F 6 

Whitesell, Dr 

239, 241, 245, 247, 253 

Wilcox, C. M., 

References to... 14, 27, 43, 50 
Quoted. 72, 78, 82. 90, 694, 695 

Williams, Thos 490, 528, 595 

Williamson, a scout 184. 191 

Wilkins, John 188 

Willson, Arabella M. 

History, 126th N. Y., quoted 

299. 300. 637 

Woods. Jas. S., Lieut. 

Record 38 

At Palo Alto 45-47 

Wilderness, campaign 

. . . .569 et seq., 646, 647, 650 

Woernlie, H. E 668 

York, Pa 123, 136, 127 

Young, Rev. Jesse Bowman, 

quoted 406, 441, 450 

Young, S. B. M 124. 699 

Ziegler's Grove. 432. 438. 439. 

440, 450, 451, 453, 459, 462 
Zouaves, Ellsworth's. ... 122, 178 



